Coughlan: 'What happened definitely suited them'
Both Shrimpers skipper Chris Barker and Bilel Mohsni were down to miss the Boxing Day debacle at Aldershot; the former Plymouth centre-back with a continuance of his calf problem, our favourite French Tunisian sitting out the second match of his ban.
And with reserve central defender Luke Prosser needed at left-back due to Peter Gilbert's suspension, Blues boss Paul Sturrock had no chance but to recall veteran defender Graham Coughlan in what would have been only his fifth appearance of the campaign, he's seen more action in charge of the reserves!
So Luggy's touchline warrior has every reason to be a touch annoyed that the crazy rules that mean striker Liam Dickinson's fifth yellow card counts, he misses the New Year's Eve League Two clash with AFC Wimbledon, but so do Mohsni and Gilbert as there punishments were not completed!
Coughlan told the Echo: "I don't understand how the yellow card counts for Dicko but then the game doesn't count for Bilel & Gilly. It beggars belief."
It does indeed, but Coughers wasn't finished yet, could there have been a whiff of something naughty in the Shots actions?
Coughlan said: "Being the cynic that I am I questioned the referee at the time and the Aldershot official to make sure. Everything was valid because what happened definitely suited them. I just think in this day and age there should be some back up."
There should have been of course, Aldershot betraying their spirit of Conference past.
However, it's history now, and it's onwards and upwards for the Dons trip on Saturday, be interesting to see Luggy's starting eleven, bith for that game and the Daggers at Roots Hall only two days later.
Will Ryan Hall start with rumours appearing that he turned up to Christmas Day training a touch worse for wear?!
We're so sorry: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
The Coughlan Files
Personal information Full name Graham Coughlan Date of birth 18 November 1974 (1974-11-18) (age 37) Place of birth Dublin, Ireland Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Playing position Centre back Club information Current club Southend United (player-coach) Number 5 Youth career 1993–1994 Cherry Orchard Senior career* Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 1994–1995 Bray Wanderers 11 (0) 1995–1999 Blackburn Rovers 0 (0) 1997 → Swindon Town (loan) 3 (0) 1999 → Livingston (loan) 6 (0) 1999–2001 Livingston 50 (2) 2001–2005 Plymouth Argyle 177 (25) 2005–2007 Sheffield Wednesday 51 (5) 2007 → Burnley (loan) 2 (0) 2007–2008 Rotherham United 45 (1) 2008–2010 Shrewsbury Town 78 (6) 2010– Southend United 36 (0) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 10:30, 21 August 2011 (UTC).† Appearances (Goals).(For full player info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Coughlan)
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