With new owners and the results achieved amid extreme off-field issues last season, the Shrimpers have kicked off the new campaign with increased expectations of a promotion push. But it was never going to be straight forward and Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Barnet was another reminder as to why. Sides with far bigger budgets who have the continuity and consistency of being well run for a considerable amount of time are still ahead of Blues at this stage.
And it will take time for that gap to narrow. The Shrimpers papered over the cracks in many ways last season but success can only be secured against the odds for so long without the long-standings problems being addressed. Blues have certainly made real progress in the short time since the consortium took charge and even have water running at their Boots & Laces training base now! But the harsh reality is that a club so neglected and virtually left to die cannot suddenly spring back into life and become immediate pace-setters at the top of the table.
The Shrimpers have faced some strong opposition in their fixtures so far, with Barnet arguably the best so far. The Bees have made 15 signings since the end of last season and seem destined to be right in the race for promotion again this time around. Right now, they boast an incredible strength in depth that Southend are sadly lacking at this stage.
Barnet’s options off the bench added an extra dimension late on whereas Blues do not really have that level of luxury right now, a.