Coming To Cov - Southend United

WHO ARE THEY?
Formed in 1906, Southend United were a more ambitious club than Southend Athletic who were the leading club in the town at the turn of the century and immediately moved into the Second Division of the Southern League.

Although never actually making it into the top flight of English football, Southend have won promotion twice in the last two seasons under current boss Steve Tilson. Their promotion from League 2 in 2004/05 was via the play-offs but they romped League One last season and set a new club record with eight successive league wins.

Their best run in the FA Cup was four appearances in the Fifth Round. They have never been past the Third Round Of the League Cup but were LDV Vans Trophy runners up in 2004/05.

Southend's nickname is The Shrimpers and have played home matches at Roots Hall since 1955. Southend have submitted plans for a new 22,000 capacity stadium with a 114 bedroom hotel on the site of their current training ground. ___________________________________________________________
THEIR OFFICAL WEBSITE
http://www.southendunited.co.uk
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LAST MATCH
City lost 2-1 at home to Ipswich whilst Southend drew 0-0 at Norwich.

This is the 46th game between the two sides. City have won on eighteen occasions with ten draws. Earlier in the season,City won 3-2 at Southend. Freddie Eastwood scored twice with Stephen Hughes,a Colin Cameron penalty and Dele Adebola giving City the win.

Southend's last league visit to Coventry on March 13 1964 saw a 5-2 defeat for the Sky Blues.

City are 14th in the table with Southend 24th.
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CITY TEAM NEWS
Out are David McNamee,Stuart Giddings and Don Hutchison. Robert Page is available after returning from paternity leave. Darren Currie is available after not being allowed to play against Ipswich. Andy Whing is back from loan and available. Luke Steele has a gashed knee and is still doubtful, Andy Marshall should again play.

Southend will be with out the suspended Efe Sodje who was sent off at Norwich on Boxing Day. Adam Barrett should replace him. Steve Tilson's major concern is his top striker Freddie Eastwood who has an ear and throat infection. Alan McCormack could be back after recovering from a knee injury. Spencer Prior is definitely out with a groin injury.
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MATCH OFFICIALS
The currently appointed referee is D.Whitestone His assistants are G.R.Russell & P.I. Thompson with the Fourth Official being J.A.Sheffield

Mr Whitestone has not taken charge of a City game before.
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MATCH DETAILS
Kick off is at 3pm. Tickets are available at usual prices.
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WEATHER FORECAST
A sunny day is forecast with a high of twelve degrees.
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HOW TO GET THERE
By car: Leave the M6 at junction 3. Take the A444 towards the City centre and at the first island go left and you will see the Ricoh Arena on your right.

Buses are running a Saturday service.

Parking: Car parking is extremely restricted around the ground. Supporters are advised that there is only park and ride site to the south of the city at the Jaguar car plant.

Coaches From Rugby.
Coaches from the Avon Mill in Newbold Road are running again £4.00 per game. Contact ian.moore3@tesco.net

Coaches From Kenilworth For details please contact harry.bragginton@btinternet.com

Travel From London for Members of CCLSC http://www.cclsc.co.uk/

AWAY SUPPORTERS PARKING
Car parking around the Ricoh Arena is strictly limited.

However, there is a designated away supporters car park, situated around five minutes walk away from the ground. The car park is secure and cost is £5 - but spaces are limited to just 100.

Directions: M6 to junction 3. Take 3rd exit if coming from north or 1st exit if travelling from the south. At the 2nd roundabout, take the 2nd exit, under the railway bridge, through the first set of traffic lights, and pass the pedestrian lights. At the next set of lights, turn right into Blackburn Road and the car park is at the top of the road.

SAT NAV
Some car satellite navigation systems have not been updated to show Coventry City FC as playing at the Ricoh Arena. Those visiting the ground for the first time are advised to enter "Phoenix Way" and the post code "CV6 6GE" instead.
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OTHER SATURDAY MATCHES
Championship: Barnsley v Sheff Wed,Cardiff v Palace, Colchester v Wolves,Derby v Plymouth, Hull v Burnley, Norwich v QPR,Southampton v Leicester,Sunderland v Preston,West Brom v Ipswich

Conference North: Kettering v Nuneaton Borough

SL PREM: Rugby Town v Hemel Hempstead Mid: Bedworth United v Rushall Olympic

Mid All: Atherstone v Rocester, RC Warwick v Oadby, Stratford v Leamington

Mid Comb Prem: Alveston v Continental Star, Nuneaton Griff v Southam,
Pershore v Coventry Copsewood, Pilkington v Massey Ferguson

Div One: Mile Oak Rovers v Leamington Hibernian

CT Cup Christ The King v Coventry Sphinx 1.45pm