Zak Brunt and Kacper Lopata

[Champagneblade]

Don't have me for this Rootshallbloke but do you know how loans work from League to Non-league?

Is Kacper locked in for the season now or cna he return to the Blades?

We had to recall Jebbison prior to the JTW closing but not sure if there is extra flexibility to ins and outs when dealing with non-league teams.

I can't have escaped Southend's attention there we've started to gain injuries and now the defence is being impacted.

 

[LewishamBlade]

Don't have me for this Rootshallbloke but do you know how loans work from League to Non-league?

Is Kacper locked in for the season now or cna he return to the Blades?

We had to recall Jebbison prior to the JTW closing but not sure if there is extra flexibility to ins and outs when dealing with non-league teams.

I can't have escaped Southend's attention there we've started to gain injuries and now the defence is being impacted.

I think we may not have a choice unfortunately but to recall if what I hear is true…

 

[bertieblade]

I believe he is on a youth loan which provides us with a 24hr. Recall

 

[Champagneblade]

I think we may not have a choice unfortunately but to recall if what I hear is true…

Couldn't find a 'hand covering face emoji'.

Fingers crossed.

 

[LewishamBlade]

Couldn't find a 'hand covering face emoji'.

Fingers crossed.

Been wrong before…

 

[Champagneblade]

Been wrong before…

As old Lendegoey used to say "never knowingly wrong!"

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Don't have me for this Rootshallbloke but do you know how loans work from League to Non-league?

Is Kacper locked in for the season now or cna he return to the Blades?

We had to recall Jebbison prior to the JTW closing but not sure if there is extra flexibility to ins and outs when dealing with non-league teams.

I can't have escaped Southend's attention there we've started to gain injuries and now the defence is being impacted.

I'm honestly not sure what the answer is. As he is a contracted Sheffield U player then I reckon the parent club can recall him. Will they? Only your management team know the answer to that. I really hope not, but would understand if it happened.

 

[Silent Blade]

I'm honestly not sure what the answer is. As he is a contracted Sheffield U player then I reckon the parent club can recall him. Will they? Only your management team know the answer to that. I really hope not, but would understand if it happened.

Why wasnt Lopata in the squad today?

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Up Rocked Solihull Moors to Roots Hall this afternoon, 4th in the National League and top of the current form table, so a formidable opponent and test for us. Nip and tuck the whole first half with both sides looking to attack but we took the lead deservedly on 31 minutes and then proceeded to dominate the rest of the half until we had a very sleepy moment on the 44th minute when both of our centre halves ignored their opposition forwards and we paid the price with them equalising, and I have to say it was a 'wtf' moment for us in the crowd. Until then we had deserved our lead but stuff happens in football. 2nd half more of the same, two good sides negating each other out.

Just before the game we were treated to news that Kacper Lopata had a calf injury and would not be starting along with two other of our regulars, and those three out would be a big miss we thought. Maybe with Kacper playing the wtf moment may have been avoided, we shall never know. One thing we did know, Harrison Neal was back in the starting XI and it was obvious that he was determined to grab the chance with both hands, feet and his head. He had a truly magnificent game, hard tackling, braking up play, probing balls forward and marshalling the mids the whole game. Like Kacper, you have a real prospect there. So that's it for another week. We are now 11 unbeaten, still 12th in the table and only 3 points behind Torquay with a game in hand.......... Also on that display, I can't see our coaching team benching Harrison again this season. A healthy 6.8k Shrimpers turned out in the sunshine alone with 45 Solihull supporters. For a team on a roll that felt a bit pathetic but maybe I shouldn't be too judgemental as it's a long way from Brum, oh, bugger it, that was pathetic!!

By the way, anyone thinking that Kacper's injury was very suspect given your injuries and discussion on here of a possible recall, I can say it was purely a coincidence.

All for now, night night Blades.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Why wasnt Lopata in the squad today?

Calf injury

 

[Greystones Blade]

Up Rocked Solihull Moors to Roots Hall this afternoon, 4th in the National League and top of the current form table, so a formidable opponent and test for us. Nip and tuck the whole first half with both sides looking to attack but we took the lead deservedly on 31 minutes and then proceeded to dominate the rest of the half until we had a very sleepy moment on the 44th minute when both of our centre halves ignored their opposition forwards and we paid the price with them equalising, and I have to say it was a 'wtf' moment for us in the crowd. Until then we had deserved our lead but stuff happens in football. 2nd half more of the same, two good sides negating each other out.

Just before the game we were treated to news that Kacper Lopata had a calf injury and would not be starting along with two other of our regulars, and those three out would be a big miss we thought. Maybe with Kacper playing the wtf moment may have been avoided, we shall never know. One thing we did know, Harrison Neal was back in the starting XI and it was obvious that he was determined to grab the chance with both hands, feet and his head. He had a truly magnificent game, hard tackling, braking up play, probing balls forward and marshalling the mids the whole game. Like Kacper, you have a real prospect there. So that's it for another week. We are now 11 unbeaten, still 12th in the table and only 3 points behind Torquay with a game in hand.......... Also on that display, I can't see our coaching team benching Harrison again this season. A healthy 6.8k Shrimpers turned out in the sunshine alone with 45 Solihull supporters. For a team on a roll that felt a bit pathetic but maybe I shouldn't be too judgemental as it's a long way from Brum, oh, bugger it, that was pathetic!!

By the way, anyone thinking that Kacper's injury was very suspect given your injuries and discussion on here of a possible recall, I can say it was purely a coincidence.

All for now, night night Blades.

Did you notice if blades loanee Harry Boyes played well for the Moors? He would have played left side of midfield according to the BBC’s team formation.

 

[1889]

I think of all the young players at BL Harrison Neal should be the next one that is in or around the first team, he’s an exceptional prospect.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Did you notice if blades loanee Harry Boyes played well for the Moors? He would have played left side of midfield according to the BBC’s team formation.

I can't say I followed him intently, but he did create a chance early on with a cross to their forward who hit the crossbar and then he followed up with a shot which 'Super Steve Arnold in goal' (sung to the Quo tune rockin' all over the world) palmed away.

The vid below is short but does show both pieces.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

...........And he copped a yellow card just on h/t.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Just to prove that we, at Southend, provide all sorts of 'grown man' training in media studies, here is an interview he has just done with our local rag. A bit of click bait but they all count towards being a rounded person.



HARRISON Neal insists in-form Southend United no longer fear anyone in the National League.

The Shrimpers, who are unbeaten in their last 11 league games, head to high flying Chesterfield on Saturday.

But Neal is confident Kevin Maher’s side can pick up another good result. “We’re confident in every game now and feel like we can beat anyone to be honest,” said the midfielder. “Obviously it’s going to be tough against Chesterfield but we’re confident.” Blues extended their fine run with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against promotion chasing Solihull Moors at the weekend. And Neal was pleased to be back in the starting line-up having initially found it difficult to get back into the team following a two match suspension.

“Obviously it was frustrating not playing but they won the games when I didn’t play so you can’t really complain,” said the 20-year-old.
“You have to be patient and keep working hard in training. “Hopefully I took my chance on Saturday and I can stay in the team now.”

Neal spent three games on the bench before returning against Solihull. And he is now keen to improve his disciplinary record in a bid to avoid further bans.
“It’s not a good record and I would like to improve it,” said Neal who has been yellow carded four times in eight appearances for Blues. “I’ve taken a few for the team on the counter attack but I need to cut out the silly ones I don’t really need to do. “It’s certainly something I would like to improve so I can avoid suspensions and play as many games as possible.”

That quest will continue at Chesterfield this weekend. And Neal is looking forward to playing in front of some familiar faces. “I’m based in Barnsley which is about 35 minutes away from Chesterfield so a few of my mates and my family will be coming to watch,” said Neal. “They can’t really get to the games in Southend as it’s quite far so it would be good to have them there on Saturday and I’m looking forward to the game.”

 

[Rootshallbloke]

And so far off topic it's obscene I reckon it's worth sharing the fact that yesterday in the pouring rain we became this:



Courtesy of her Maj, Charlie and Camilla. Camilla had fish & Chips in Sands restaurant for lunch but Charlie doesn't eat lunch so he gave it a swerve (Only in southend eh?). Ok, I feel better for sharing, back on topic now.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Away to Chesterfield today They are 2nd in the National League and the final score was 2-2 with Southend coming from behind twice, so, unbeaten now in 12, like you guys we are still daring to dream. Harrison and Kacper both got 90 minutes under their belts today and both had storming games. This sort of experience can only be beneficial for both them and you guys come the end of the season as playing well in a successful team at any level will fill them with confidence. By the way, if you do have thoughts of dumping the pair of them then, reluctantly, we would take them off your hands.

 

[Maidenhead]

Away to Chesterfield today They are 2nd in the National League and the final score was 2-2 with Southend coming from behind twice, so, unbeaten now in 12, like you guys we are still daring to dream. Harrison and Kacper both got 90 minutes under their belts today and both had storming games. This sort of experience can only be beneficial for both them and you guys come the end of the season as playing well in a successful team at any level will fill them with confidence. By the way, if you do have thoughts of dumping the pair of them then, reluctantly, we would take them off your hands.

View attachment 131677

Reluctantly

 

[Digs blade]

Really rate Neal. Lined up as a replacement for Norwood in the next 6-12 months

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Really rate Neal. Lined up as a replacement for Norwood in the next 6-12 months

Early days after the game but the feedback is it was his best game of the season and words like excellent have been used.

 

[Digs blade]

You’ve probably seen more of him than me. I’ve only seem him play a few times for our U23’s but a very tidy player who will make a career out of the game. Of that I have no doubt

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Oh my word, the Zone faithful have decided that Kacper deserves his own chant, which means he is ready to be enshrined in Southend legend. I have suggested they try the Polish National Anthem in English. Only 8 verses so they should fit it in before the final whistle tomorrow night against the fishy folk from Grimsby.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Southend Utd 1-0 Grimsby Town. A 7k gate and 7th heaven as we stuffed another form team. 13 unbeaten and the beat goes on, la di dah di dah! Some extracts from the assembled Blue hordes. There will be more feedback today, but I got tired of cut and paste on here and you get the picture.

'Harrison Neal is an absolute baller. 10/10. Would kiss'

'Neal was immense'

'I paid special attention to Harrison Neal tonight, I didn't go to the game intending to, but he caught my eye from the very start. Time and time again he won the ball and gave an accurate pass. He never stopped running, never stopped battling. The times he won the ball or intercepted a pass. It was like he was in a cup final. This kid is on loan, so you could excuse him for only giving about 80%. But he always gives 100%. He must have incredible heart and desire to try so hard for Southend. I hope he goes all the way in his football career. If ever a young man deserves it, it's Harrison Neal.'

'There were, in my opinion, 3 exceptions; Lopata, Neal and Dalby, all of whom could easily be the MOM. Neal's late, rash and unnecessary challenge at the death probably shaded it away from him as I would only give him a 9, and I think I'd have to share it between the other two with 9.5 out of 10 performances. They were simply awesome.'

'Dalby and Neal .. ****ing immense. Dalby with his hold up play and bringing others in and Neal, well he was everywhere.'

'Lots of very solid performances today and a few standout ones in Harrison Neal and Sam Dalby. Also a special mention for Ollie Kensdale who I thought grew into the game and is looking a real prospect for when Lopata returns to Sheffield.'

'Kacper Lopata 9 - what an immense mature defender.'

'MOM goes to Neal, who was everywhere and broke up Grimsby's play brilliantly. Special mentions to Dalby for his effort, running and hold-up play; to Łopata for being a man mountain and holding the defence together; '

'That midfield three of Atkinson, Husin and Neal are sensational.'

' but my man of the match yet again was Harrison Neal. Those Inspector Gadget legs of his just continually get to the ball, whilst in possession he moves the ball about as well as anyone in the team not named Noor. The first name on my team sheet, ahead of even Husin.'

 

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

Southend Utd 1-0 Grimsby Town. A 7k gate and 7th heaven as we stuffed another form team. 13 unbeaten and the beat goes on, la di dah di dah! Some extracts from the assembled Blue hordes. There will be more feedback today, but I got tired of cut and paste on here and you get the picture.

'Harrison Neal is an absolute baller. 10/10. Would kiss'

'Neal was immense'

'I paid special attention to Harrison Neal tonight, I didn't go to the game intending to, but he caught my eye from the very start. Time and time again he won the ball and gave an accurate pass. He never stopped running, never stopped battling. The times he won the ball or intercepted a pass. It was like he was in a cup final. This kid is on loan, so you could excuse him for only giving about 80%. But he always gives 100%. He must have incredible heart and desire to try so hard for Southend. I hope he goes all the way in his football career. If ever a young man deserves it, it's Harrison Neal.'

'There were, in my opinion, 3 exceptions; Lopata, Neal and Dalby, all of whom could easily be the MOM. Neal's late, rash and unnecessary challenge at the death probably shaded it away from him as I would only give him a 9, and I think I'd have to share it between the other two with 9.5 out of 10 performances. They were simply awesome.'

'Dalby and Neal .. ****ing immense. Dalby with his hold up play and bringing others in and Neal, well he was everywhere.'

'Lots of very solid performances today and a few standout ones in Harrison Neal and Sam Dalby. Also a special mention for Ollie Kensdale who I thought grew into the game and is looking a real prospect for when Lopata returns to Sheffield.'

'Kacper Lopata 9 - what an immense mature defender.'

'MOM goes to Neal, who was everywhere and broke up Grimsby's play brilliantly. Special mentions to Dalby for his effort, running and hold-up play; to Łopata for being a man mountain and holding the defence together; '

'That midfield three of Atkinson, Husin and Neal are sensational.'

' but my man of the match yet again was Harrison Neal. Those Inspector Gadget legs of his just continually get to the ball, whilst in possession he moves the ball about as well as anyone in the team not named Noor. The first name on my team sheet, ahead of even Husin.'

Admit it - you’re just making those quotes up to get a few ‘likes’. Keep them coming, it’s always good to believe that we have young talent for the future.

 

[Balham]

Is Neal's disciplinary record anything to be concerned about? This is a little ludicrous IMHO:



Last night's booking was in the 90th minute.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

And this from on of our informed ITKs:

'I’ll do a better round up later, when I have a bit more time, but just wanted to say one thing on last night.

Harrison Neal That was one of the best midfield performances I’ve witnessed at Roots Hall for years.

I was disappointed when Brunt left, like we all were, and I gave a little bit of information on Neal when he signed as his “replacement” and said what to expect, and he has delivered that in bucket loads.

Where I did get something wrong, he is such a better footballer than I gave him credit. His passing was excellent, but was really overshadowed by his work rate, his breaking up of the play, his winning the ball back, his defensive side of the game. He deserved a goal, and nearly got one first half. Rash lunge at the end could have cost us, but guess who it was who saw the ball out of play for a goal kick? Yes, it was Harrison Neal.

The guys around me probably got sick of me saying well done Neal every 30 seconds, but if anything, I wasn’t saying it enough.

Simply outstanding.'

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Admit it - you’re just making those quotes up to get a few ‘likes’. Keep them coming, it’s always good to believe that we have young talent for the future.

Christ on a bike, I wish I was. I keep on saying this, but the National League is a world away from the Championship so the quality will never be the same, BUT, your pair are getting reviews from supporters of many years who have witnessed playing standards in the Championship downwards and we are pretty much convinced that those two can do it at a much higher level. How your coaches take the lads forward is anyone's guess but properly managed they can be a valuable part of your future. I really do wish they were a bit more gash and we could keep them but that just ain't going to happen.

Is anyone on here getting any reports on Zac Brunt's progress? It would be nice to think that he is developing at the same level as Kacper and Harrison. Apart, obviously, from when we play Notts county at the Hall, and then we are going to kick their arses and Zac's with it. Maybe Borat can help?

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Is Neal's disciplinary record anything to be concerned about? This is a little ludicrous IMHO:

View attachment 131888

Last night's booking was in the 90th minute.

Yes is the obvious answer, but his style is always going to get him in trouble with referees. I would like to think that coaching will temper some of his dive in stuff, but it is what makes him him.

 

[Bladesman]

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Harrison Neal's fine run and shot last night is about 25 seconds in.