Source: FOOTYMAD
'Definitely the hardest friendly we've had': Southend United v Ipswich Town
At last, the lads are back at Roots Hall for their latest pre-season friendly against the Tractor Boys and the side are in for a tough work out according to Shrimpers manager Paul Sturrock. v Southend United v Ipswich Town - Friday, July 22nd; 19.45 Blues boss Paul Sturrock while looking forward to tonight's sixth match in a busy pre-season schedule is under no illusions it's going to be the toughest test yet for his Shrimpers squad. Sturrock told www.echo-news.co.uk: “This will be a hard game and definitely the hardest friendly we’ve had. But our players are still working hard in training and won’t be at their best just yet either. We don’t want them to be peaking for another couple of weeks just yet but we do want to see people starting to link together and form good partnerships.” Midfielder Reggie Lambe will not be getting another trail against his former club but veteran winger Darren Currie may be seen, though the club made clear he will not be signing for the Shrimpers but is using the time with the team to keep fit. The Tractor Boys boss Paul Jewell is expected to give valuable game time to new summer signings Lee Bowyer and Michael Chopra, while the home faithful should get a good idea at what side Luggy plans to open with against Hereford United on the opening Saturday of the League season on August 6th. Shrimpers Pre-Season Schedule Monday, July 11th - Dartford 0 Southend United 3 Tuesday, July 12th - Great Wakering Rovers 0 Southend United 5 Saturday, July 16th - Dundee 2 Southend United 0 Sunday, July 17th - Raith Rovers 0 Southend United 0 Wednesday, July 20th - Braintree Town 1 Southend United X1 1 Friday, July 22nd - IPSWICH TOWN (HOME), 19.45. Monday, July 25th - Needham Market (Away), 19.45. Thursday, July, 28th - NORWICH CITY (HOME), 19.45 Saturday, July 30th - Canvey Island (away), 15.00. (SUFC X1)
