Dean Brennan’s side will travel to Southend United on Tuesday 1st February (19:45 KO) as they look to return to winning ways.
We’ve created this Away Guide if you’re heading to Roots Hall for the Vanarama National League meeting tomorrow.
STADIUM
Roots Hall, Victoria Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, SS2 6NQ
NICKNAME
The Seasiders, Shrimpers or Blues.
COLOUR
Blue
KEY PERSONNEL
Kevin Maher is the current Manager at Roots Hall. He spent his youth career at Tottenham Hotspur before making over 350 appearances for Southend United. Moves to Oldham and Gillingham followed before hanging his boots up in 2015.
Maher has managed Chelmsford City and Bristol Rovers on a caretaker basis and was given the managerial role at Southend in October 2021.
BRIEF DIRECTIONS BY ROAD AND TRAIN
From the M25, exit at Junction 29 (A127) to Southend. Stay on this road which will become Victoria Avenue – it is the main arterial route into the town and you will see the ground on the right. The floodlight pylons are visible from some distance away.
The closest station to the ground is Prittlewell, about a five minute walk away. It is served by trains from London Liverpool Street. As you exit left out of the station turn right into East Street by the Railway Tavern, you will then come to a crossroads with traffic lights. Turn left and after 100 yards further on, you will see the stadium on your left.
CAR PARKING
The main car park at the ground offers easy parking but for a £5 charge. The Southend High School for Boys car park on Prittlewell Chase (accessible on the right just before the ground) also costs £5. Street parking is also available for supporters arriving early.
GROUND DESCRIPTION
I am fortunate to remember watching a game at Roots Hall years ago from the massive open Kop terrace behind what now is the South Stand. This is a home fan stronghold which has been developed into a shallow double decker stand, built in 1994.
The East stand was first erected in the mid 1950’s. The West Stand, like the North Stand, are simple covered terraces with added seating. Both areas have superb examples of old barrel roofs similar in design to the roof over the East Terrace at Aldershot Town.
The aforementioned North Stand labelled the Colourfast Stand will be our home for the afternoon. The seats are tight with minimum leg room, but plenty of noise can be made!
EAT AND DRINK
The Railway Tavern, near the station is an option for visiting fans. The Blue Boar and the Spead Eagle at the crossroads by the ground get busy with home fans and might be restricted if there are too many people.
The Shrimpers bar at the ground does allow away fans in small numbers for low profile matches.
If you have time, the seafront has many bars and pubs. Not sure the lunchtime entertainment in the Forresters Arms is what it used to be though! The Cornucopia was always my favourite place to visit there.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND MEMORIES
A wonderful time was had by all during the 2-0 victory in the 1993/94 Coca Cola Cup thanks to Alan Walker and Tony Lynch.
The Bees also secured an enthralling 3-2 victory at Christmas in 1998 – featuring two goals from “King Kenny” Charlery and Marlon King.
CONNECTIONS
These notable people represented both clubs in some form – Mark Gower, Nicky Bailey, Barry Fry, Edwin Stein, Derek Payne, Harry Willis, Micky Bodley, Phil Gridelet, Darren Currie and Gary Poole.
CELEBRITY WATCH
Gary Brooker (the Procol Harum lead singer) grew up here, as did guitarist Robin Trower, who also played in the band. Paul Young has a holiday home near the seafront.
Tennis superstars Dave and John Lloyd lived here and took advantage of the fresh sea air. Helen Mirren was allegedly seen in Yates’ Wine Bar recently and Phil Collins’ brother used to run the Go Kart track near the beach.
Enjoy the match, Reckless
