, 5 players important to Southend’s season

5 players important to Southend’s season

Southend United had an incredible season last time around winning promotion in the most dramatic way possible at Wembley. The seaside club now find themselves in League 1 after a five-year absence, but they face stiff competition to remain in that division.  

1. Daniel Bentley

The young English goalkeeper won Southend’s player of the season last campaign whilst also finding his way into the League 2 PFA Team of the Year. Because of this, and understandably so, Bentley is being monitored by bigger clubs including Leeds United and West Ham. Bentley last season set a club record of keeping eleven consecutive, home clean sheets as he won many points for the Shrimpers with his excellent shot stopping and reflexes – not to forget his penalty winning save in the League 2 play-off final. There are doubts whether he will stay with the Essex club, but keeping him could be the difference between relegation and staying up. Simple as. Bentley is seen by many as Southend’s best ever goalkeeper.

2. Michael Timlin

A true work horse in the middle of the park, Timlin has also attracted interest from a bigger club in Millwall. He was one of Southend’s best players throughout last season which was highlighted with his heroic performances in the play-offs. The Shrimpers know it will be vitally important to keep him because of his passion and leadership he brings to the team but also because of his ability to score crucial goals. Now 30 years old, Timlin may choose to stay with the Shrimpers because of his age and the fact he will be a guaranteed starter for every game.

3. Cian Bolger

Bolger at the beginning of last season was seen as a great acquisition by Phil Brown costing in the region of £25,000, but he didn’t quite live up to expectations with a string of poor performances, a couple of sending offs and notable mistakes. However, Brown kept faith in the Irish defender and he is now a first choice centre back for the club after a sensational end to the season partnering club legend Adam Barrett in the defence. Still only 23 years old, Bolger has enough time to develop and he could be an integral part to the Shrimpers’ campaign with his height and ability to block shots.

4. Ryan Leonard

The 23 year-old midfielder didn’t have the best of seasons for Southend, but he still remained as one of Brown’s most important players. Unfortunately for Leonard, he was nowhere near the player we saw in the season before where he won Southend’s player of the year award. In some games his passing was sloppy, yet he has a powerful shot and his work rate is second to none. He can go on dominant surging runs forward and then has the desire to chase back and win the ball back with his strong tackles. Playing in a higher division next season could actually suit the ex-Plymouth man, but Brown has to let him have the freedom to attack so he can really show his talent.

5. Ben Coker

The ex-Colchester left-back has been simply sublime since signing for Southend in 2013. Like goalkeeper Daniel Bentley, he fought his way into the League 2 2014/15 PFA Team of the Year (despite being injured for a good chunk of the season) and has completely deserved the plaudits he has received. He is a constant threat down the left hand side with his relatively quick speed and his exceptional crossing, making Coker one of the Blues’ most important players.

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