Dave Goody

There is nothing quite like going to a match that looks to be nothing more than 'just another game' but at the end leaves you fulfilled and excited. Such matches, with crushing victories, great comebacks and triumphs over adversity, are all here in a selection of classic matches covering the breadth of Southend United's near-100-year history. Memorable scores against top-flight opposition, great fightbacks and vital promotion-clinching matches are vividly recalled from a sideline perspective, as are some of the true greats of the games, such as Bert Trautmann, Stan Collymore and Gabriel Batistuta. A trip to the Twin Towers of Wembley and matches in far-flung places are not forgotten. Carefully selected and researched by Peter Miles and David Goody, this book recounts the highs and lows of some of the greatest matches in the history of Southend United Football Club.

As football enters the twenty-first century, it is an ideal time for supporters to reflect on the players and personalities who have made Southend United Football Club such a widely-respected name in professional football during the last century. These pages feature 100 of the greatest names in the club's long history. Those selected include stalwarts noted for their longevity and record breaking, such as Sandy Anderson, Alan Moody, Billy Best and Roy Hollis. Gifted players who spent only a short time at Southend but contributed much to the folklore of the club also make the top 100. For example, Jimmy McAlinden, Eddie Firmani and Mike Marsh, all club record signings of their respective eras, qualify for the final list. Goalscoring masters who dominated the club's history are chosen, like Harold Halse, Jimmy Shankly, Sammy McGory, Richard Cadette, David Crown and Brett Angell. Goalkeeping legends such as Billy Moore, Ted Hankey, Harry Threadgold, Mervyn Cawston and Paul Sansome are included. Defensive heroes George Molyneux, Peter Watson, Tony Bentley and Micky Stead also earn a place in the list. Certain players who encompass the spirit of the club, such as Dave Robinson, Ronnie Pountney, Paul Clark, Peter Butler and Chris Powell are also featured here. Finally the footballing genius that is Stan Collymore graces these pages and the front cover, despite making only 33 appearances in a Blues shirt. Each of these players and many more are profiled, with detailed biographical and statistical records. Supporting the text are portrait and action shots, some of which have never been seen before. Compiled by two life-long supporters on behalf of all Southend United fans, this superb book salutes the 100 greatest players and rewards them for a century of wonderful memories.

This book is part of the Images of Sport series, which uses old photographs and archived images to show the history of various local sports in Great Britain.