Source: FOOTYMAD
Great Wakering Rovers confirmed before Scottish tour as pre-season schedule grows for Shrimpers
Before East Fife, Raith Rovers, Dundee & It wouldn't be a Southend United pre-season without a trip to Burroughs Park for a friendly spoken about but now confirmed. The Shrimpers will be going to Burroughs Park, Essex, to play Great Wakering Rovers once again on Tuesday, July 12th, kick-off 19.45, The Rovers play in the Isthmian League Division One North and finished 15th in the campaign just ended.Blues boss Paul Sturrock spoke about this game at the Shrimpers Trust Player-of-the-Year evening earlier this month and that it would be close to the Dartford game in order to get the whole squad a half game each evening.Then it will be off to Stirling in Scotland for a five day training camp before the weekend tourney with hosts East Fife, Dundee and Raith Rovers.A proposed game with Livingstone reported north of the border will not be taking place.Luggy told www.southendunited.co.uk: "I have taken every side I have ever been manager of on a pre-season tour of some description as I believe it's a vital part of preparing for the season ahead. We spend something like 40 weeks training at the training ground each season and so a change of environment at the start of the season can help get the squad in the right frame of mind."Which can only be a good thing, but what else is the Southend manager expecting from the trip, half of which is being sponsored by a 10k gift from the Shrimpers Trust.He continued: "The facilities at the proposed venue are first class and will hopefully help ensure that we get the right levels of fitness into the squad so we avoid the problems we saw this season when we picked up numerous injuries due to a lack of a proper pre-season. There are also benefits of bonding as a team and ensuring there is a team spirit with new players coming in. I've no doubt the fans will also enjoy the weekend also and the proposed games should offer the team a good work out combined with those friendlies we will be holding back home." And we're sure they will, travel details posted soon.Confirmed pre-season scheduleMonday, July 11th - Dartford (away), 19.45.Tuesday, July 12th - Great Wakering Rovers (away), 19.45.Saturday, July 16th - Scottish TournamentSunday, July 17th - Scottish TournamentFriday, July 22nd - IPSWICH TOWN (HOME)
