As his side fell to a 3-2 defeat against relegation-threatened Plymouth Argyle, Chris Powell finds himself on thin ice. Southend United currently endure a ‘LWLWLWLWL’ run in League One and the fans demand a remedy to this frustrating inconsistency.
Argyle Punish Hopeless Shrimpers
Tactically, Chris Powell got everything wrong. The game was spent lumping long-balls up to Simon Cox who, invariably, was no aerial match for titans Niall Canavan and Ryan Edwards. Antoni Sarcevic then pounced on an error from Stephen Hendrie, before ex-Blues forward Freddie Ladapo doubled Plymouth’s lead just after the break.
Ruben Lameiras put the nail in the coffin in the 73rd minute and Powell’s side were down and out. In a game lacking passion, desire and creativity, 17-year old Charlie Kelman entered the fray 20 minutes from time and single-handedly inspired a late comeback.
Moments before Simon Cox tucked away his penalty, Kelman scored an audacious effort from within his own half. The youth academy product has grabbed all the headlines, but Chris Powell’s tactical inadequacies need urgent attention.
Incurable Inconsistency
Many supporters forecasted a season of turbulence and Southend United’s inconsistency has been even worse than originally imagined. The Shrimpers have drawn just twice in 27 fixtures, which is the lowest in the league. Instead, they tend to win one week and lose abjectly the next.
An incapability to build momentum and regularly under-performing has severely dented the faith in Chris Powell. Almost a year since he took charge and won his first three fixtures, Southend are floating miserably in mid-table and look like going nowhere.
For a side with so much experience, youth and character, it becomes incredibly taxing and disillusioning for supporters. This potential is ultimately being wasted by shoddy tactics and dispassionate football.
Charlie Kelman: An Honourable Mention
Before the 17-year-old’s introduction, there wasn’t a shred of passion to be seen. It’s embarrassing for the senior players that Southend only got playing once a youth player managed to ignite some energy and desire.
The only satisfying upshot of the defeat to Plymouth was the unbounded potential of the young striker. His professionalism, talent and passion supply with him with all the makings of a top striker. Before scoring a wonder goal, he rallied the crowd and got his side playing, which should earn him a place in the starting line-up going forward.
Whilst he has deservedly stolen the headlines, the attention must shift quickly back to Chris Powell. If he can’t turn the fortunes of his side around quickly, then Southend may be dragged into a relegation battle come May.
Is Powell’s Time Up?
It might be premature to sack Chris Powell, but his side are stuck in a state of stasis which seems irreversible. Against Plymouth, Southend looked out of ideas and constantly vulnerable, whilst he stood sour-faced and arms folded on the sideline.
It is quite possible that he has taken Southend as far as he can. With a full season in charge, Powell was expected to guide the Blues to a play-off finish. His side currently twelve points off the play-off places and the former Charlton boss is massively under-performing at present.
In light of an injury crisis and a winding-up order for HMRC, his job has become more difficult. That said, Powell is failing to carry out the basics and continually makes questionable tactical decisions. To his credit, nine youth academy products featured on last weekend’s team sheet, and his faith in youth has comforted many supporters.
Southend play Scunthorpe United next and it is an excellent opportunity to bounce back. Powell must prove his credentials and cure his side’s inconsistency, or else tensions will continue to grow at Roots Hall.
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