Football Season Review

Southend's modest final finishing position did not really give a reflection of what their campaign was like, as the Shrimpers spent the majority of the season fighting for promotion, only to drop down the standings after switching off late in the season, when it became obvious that they will not be making the play-offs. Phil Brown would have probably accepted staying in the division if offered to him before the end of the season in what was the Shrimpers' first season back in League One, but the Shrimpers will certainly be left wondering about what could have been, as they displayed the ability to cope with the very best sides in the league and had periods during which they looked like strong promotion candidates. The injury situation that they had to deal with certainly did not help them, as important players such as Michael Timlin, Dave Mooney and Noel Hunt have all missed significant chunks of action in the second half of the season. Another problem that they had was their lack of consistency, as the old phrase of being "capable of beating anyone and losing to anyone" perfectly described what they have shown this season. If the recent news are anything to go by, they might be set for a tough summer, as they have released a number of players without signing anyone, and have also narrowly avoided a winding-up petition. It remains to be seen if the Shrimpers will manage to regroup and find the funds required to strengthen during the summer.

Player of the Season: Jack Payne