Shrimpers fans panel have their say ahead of the new season

THROUGHOUT the course of the new season, a group of Southend United supporters will be having their say on the Shrimpers in the Echo.

The first of their columns previews the new campaign and what may lie in store for Kieron Dyer's side.

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SCOTT BARBER: "As I prepare for my 29th season following Southend United, the anticipation is as strong as ever. This summer felt different, though. With so much change at the club, it was hard to feel the usual connection until the West Ham friendly reignited that spark. The departure of familiar faces brings sadness, but now it's time to get behind a new group of players who could become Southend heroes.

"With Kevin Maher departing after two consecutive play-off campaigns and delivering the club's first silverware, expectations remain high. Promotion has to be the target. While Southend came agonisingly close before, they've still been some way off the division's leading sides over a full season. Finishing near the top would at least improve the prospects of a home fixture in the play-offs

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"Kieron Dyer has made his ambitions clear from day one. This squad blends experience with youth, and the belief is growing. Southend are a big club in this league—now it's time to stop being the bridesmaid and become the bride."

MARK EDWARDS: "As the first league game approaches quickly Blues fans face a real life game of guess who…

"Not since the dark days when Paul Sturrock had to build an entire team pre opening day have we faced the situation of not really knowing who players are and more realistically how good they are .

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"Let's be frank we probably needed a good clear out ( some departures were definitely more painful than others ! ) but I'm not sure anyone would have predicted how much of an overhaul there would be .

"Kieron Dyer has slowly assembled a reasonable sized squad and after watching the friendlies so far there are reasons to be optimistic.

"The talk of walking the league that you read on social media I fear will prove to be wide of the mark however I feel with the addition of a goal poacher ( not the easiest acquisition I appreciate) there appears to be no reason that we will won't be towards the top third.

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"Dyer has come across well in interviews so far and we have to be a little patient as both him and his team find there feet. The unbelievable support home and away can be a fantastic 12th man but can also prove to be quite the opposite if things don't go quite to plan . Here we go again…..!"

BEAU SIMPSON: "As the new season approaches, I feel the most nervous I've felt as a Southend fan for some years. There has been so much uncertainty, from the managerial situation and unheard-of player turnover, to the off the pitch changes, that it is difficult to know exactly what to expect. That is why a strong start to the campaign feels absolutely crucial.

"Pre-season friendlies are never the best indicator, but there have been enough encouraging signs from the likes of Kamara and Parillon to be quietly optimistic.

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"Even so, I still believe Southend are missing an out-and-out striker, as well as potentially some more height in the side, and a genuine statement signing would lift both the squad and supporters, although that opportunity may now have passed.

"Many online predictions have Southend among the promotion favourites, but I remain slightly unconvinced (though a big win on Saturday may change a lot). There are simply too many unknowns. Nevertheless, with the quality already in the squad, anything less than a top three finish should ultimately be viewed as underachievement."

ANDREW STRUTT: "My hopes for Southend for the new season are that we storm to the league title with a record points haul and return to the football league!

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"My expectation is that the first part of the season may be a bit of a transition as the new players get used to each other and adapt to Kieron Dyer's management style and tactics.

"From the couple of pre-season games I've seen though, I think we will be treated to attractive attacking football which should be exciting to watch with players like Popoola and Kamara. The one concern is that we currently don't have that 20 goal a season striker that will fire us to promotion, and the lack of height in the team makes us susceptible to set pieces.

"I expect that we will finish in the play-offs again and after that, it's a lottery!"

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GARRY SMITH: "Although it was sad to see a club legend like Kevin Maher leave, I think the change of Head Coach was necessary once COSU decided to appoint a Director of Football with a more modern approach to the game.

"Kieron Dyer has certainly said all the right things so far and it will be interesting to see how the words translate into performances on the pitch in competitive games.

"I've been impressed with the appointments of both Oliver Gage and Catherine Honey – both seem really professional and this fills me with optimism for the future.

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"Clearly with the large change in personnel, we might not hit top form straight away so we will need to exercise some patience (not something Shrimpers fans are renowned for!) but I remain confident that this will be a good season for us, especially if we can add a couple more quality signings to the squad."

JULIE HARDY: "Well here we go again getting ready for another rock and roll season supporting Southend United - I'm sure it'll be another rollercoaster ride so buckle up!

"Here are my expectations and hopes for 26/27

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Expectations: "Firstly I expect it will take a few matches for the team to settle in together - as we know some players will be in a different position to what they're used to which will be interesting.

"Sadly, I fully expect that with the first game we lose there will be the usual calls of "Dyer out". I will be so happy to be proved wrong on this!

"I'm expecting to see a dynamic Southend with a new and exciting style of playing which will delight us all!

"Hopes: Less drama, solid performances from the start, new walk on music please? and the return of the inflatable arm wavers when we score.

"Here's to a brilliant season."

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