Last season Southends achievement was incredible, all the off field issues with Ron Martin were massively distracting and concerning.

Kevin Maher was able to create an us vs them team spirit, non payment of salaries, points deduction, political arguments & a transfer embargo for the whole season. The club had the national headlines and Maher was clever in his use of that for his players to showcase what they could do when faced with adversity - they had a much greater purpose, survival.

Without the points deduction they would have finished in the playoffs, despite being restricted to a squad of just 16.

That squad though had a good mixture of experience in striker Harry Cardwell or winger Jack Bridge or exciting young talent like Jack Woods.

This season is not like last season, they have new owners, embargo has been lifted and no us vs them mentality. It's business as usual, despite the embargo being lifted Southend have signed only 3 players, whilst losing a similar number of key players.

Maher has been saying for some time he needs 3-4 new members for the first team. His attack is weak, he's having to play Bridge in a no 10 position vs York, when he is much better out wide.

Southend drew 1-1 at home to York on Sat, in this game York dominated.

Both sets of fans believe theyl finish mid table with playoffs at best. York dominated Southend, with the home side only able to muster chances (including their goal) from set pieces. Southend had limited attacking threat and a lack of attacking options on the bench.

York dominated as they were much fitter. Southend haven't been able to have a proper preseason, without proper training facilties. They have missed out on key transfer targets.

Southend are running on empty without an attacking threat. There is very limited service to Cardwell.

Pools have a strong 11 and the 3-4 signings we need are to help give the same strength to the 7 players on the bench as we have the 11 on the pitch.

Let us see if Kevin Maher can galvanise his squad for Saturday, if not then Pools under Darren Sarll will take the 3 points fairly comfortably.

Very interesting analysis that, I enjoyed reading your opinions and the background situation you highlighted so well.

Really like Southend United as a club and remember they played against Pools in our first ever floodlight game back in 1967 but no sentiment this Saturday. Pools to chase the top. All this crap about achieving play off status. That should be secondary. To get out of this league you have to go for it at the off and win the thing. The play offs are a lotto. Yes, Pools did it and put years on all of us at the same time. Can't stand any more of that "excitement" at my age.

That play off final was horrific for the nerves. Could hardly watch at times. Im with you our aim should be to win the league. No messing about.

As you say, we were blowing out of our arses against York, but to fair, a lot of teams will struggle against them unless they are really on top of their game. I can never trust Southend to do what I think they will do, and you guys think we may be an easy touch, but last Saturday will have shaken the team and coaches to their boots, so it would not surprise me if we take at least a point. We will all see. Looking forward to an exciting game with both sides using the high press.

I think you will be the best side to play this month BUT also this is the best time to play you before you bulk up squad wise--doesnt mean i think we will win easily--but i woudl bet money we'll have a lot harder game against you in the return fixture.

Looking fwd to see how Dodds does--Southend fans seem to really rate their left winger, but doubt many players will get the better of dodds if fit this year so should be an interesting battle

yeh best we play Southend early again and get these 3 points on the board.

they will only get alot better id imagine and be up there.

truthfully though if we win this weekend i cant see us dropping many points in the first 2 months. We have to be bookies faves for a top 7 finish after this if we do win.

I have been saying that for 2 months--we absolutely shoudl be very close to the top come end of august based on the fixtures---just hope if it does happen people dont get carried away!

You certainly won,t