Source: FOOTYMAD
He's back: 'It will be nice to play those two teams, but we're be Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Tow
Southend United manager Paul Sturrock back to Plymouth Argyle and Swindon Town next season, two teams he has previously managed. As well as tough starts v the Bulls of Hereford United, Crawley Town, Port Vale & Accrington Stanley. Sturrock: 'I don't evisage those problems at Roots Hall this time round' So we're at home again, unbelivable, and it could be worse than Hereford, but after that things will get a lot tougher, and Blues boss is excited and cautious at the same time with the announcement of the League Two fixtures Friday morning. Sturrock told www.southendunited.co.uk\: "Fixture release day is always an exciting date in the calendar, when you see who you have to play, when you start to plot in your mind where points will be won and lost. It's great that we get to start at Roots Hall again and hopefully that will get us off to a good start. Last season it took us a while to get going at home but I don't evisage those problems this time round." And so say all of us, but he still accepted that the opening month of August is not going to be an easy ride. Sturrock continued: "We've a tough first month though as Accrington Stanley and Port Vale both had good seasons last year, and then Crawley Town are spending money like it's going out of fashion and will be tipped to do well after promotion from the Conference last season." In fact Luggy, they're the favourites for the League Two crown this campaign and will be a very tough trip for only the thitd game and a real test of what the future could hold regarding the Shrimpers own promotion push during 2011/12. However, what will interest the fans of two of the third tier's relegated teams last term, Swindon Town and Plymouth Argyle, is the return of their former manager, and it will be interesting the reception he gets at the County Ground on Saturday, September 10th before the Roots Hall return on Saturday, January 28th, and the Pilgrims a touch later in south-east Essex on Saturday, September 17th, (so two in a week!), and the Home Park return on Saturday, February 4th, (again both in eight days, spooky!) Seeing as old Luggy got both clubs promotion at some stage, Plymouth he took to the Championship, it shouldn't be too bad, but then again we fans sometimes only remember the bad bits, which is why our treatment of Tilly at Lincoln last March was so amazing, and rather humbling. Anyway, the Scot is looking forward to meeting them both. Sturrock said: "It will be nice to play those two teams. I've still got friends at both clubs but the niceties will be left until after the match as we will be focused on getting all three points." Quite right too Luggs! N.B. Readers are reminded that the fixture list is still provisional and subject to change. Clubs have seven days to request any changes to the Football League. (I'm sure Southend will be looking at the odd Friday night and before you rush in for those early train fares, remember the Bradford City away change last season! You pays your money ect.) The full Shrimpers 2011/12 fixture list here: www.southendunited.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10444,00.html Fill in your own head to heads against any side here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/footydb/loadhed.asp
