Zak Brunt and Kacper Lopata

[Broomhall Blade]

I'd suggest that a lad called "Spaff" is probably well placed to judge whether a player is wank.

Sounds like he's related to Pitsmoor Pillock, did he put from a Notts County fan at the end.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Good luck to them in the Play-Off final. From a selfish point of view I'd rather Grimsby bugger off to FL2 as our daughter and her partner only live 30 minutes drive from Solihull's ground so a long weekend is in order which would keep my Missus happy!

I see the final is at Wet Spam's ground. Cheap ticket prices as usual!

Vanarama National League Promotion Final - Ticket Information - Grimsby Town Football Club

Grimsby Town FC is pleased to confirm the ticket information for the Vanarama National League Promotion Final, taking place at the London Stadium on Sunday

gtfc.co.uk

Changed my mind, 500 mile round trip to Solihull and I get to pay for an outing to a restaurant on the Sunday as well. I'm now a Solihull fan for the duration. Not only that, but Grimsby came down from FL2 with us and we had more points, so for them to escape at first attempt is just outrageous. Better they stay in the NL and they can watch us go up next season. That works for me.

 

[Solihull Blade]

Changed my mind, 500 mile round trip to Solihull and I get to pay for an outing to a restaurant on the Sunday as well. I'm now a Solihull fan for the duration. Not only that, but Grimsby came down from FL2 with us and we had more points, so for them to escape at first attempt is just outrageous. Better they stay in the NL and they can watch us go up next season. That works for me.

Good lad join the ever increasing 2nd team fan club. C’mon you Moors. However I’m in Madeira for 2 weeks and won’t get to the final. Will try to find a bar to watch the game, but 5th tier English football in Portugal is a long shot.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Good lad join the ever increasing 2nd team fan club. C’mon you Moors. However I’m in Madeira for 2 weeks and won’t get to the final. Will try to find a bar to watch the game, but 5th tier English football in Portugal is a long shot.

I'd imagine BT Sport will cover it, so I don't know whether their app will be available on your smartphone in Madeira possibly with a VPN? Whatever, enjoy your holiday.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

And it's goodbye to Grimsby at the first attempt, good luck to them. After finishing 6th in the league games they achieved something very few other teams have done, escaping the NL that quickly.

 

[adamawdhali]

I know they haven’t achieved anything yet but on reflection, how good was that u23 side last season. Just rewatched the highlights from last seasons game vs coventry and the players in that squad… jebbison, Ndiaye, neal, brunt, Seriki, Gordon, lopata, dewhurst, boyes all having very successful seasons this year whether than be non league, championship or league 1 as the case with jebbison. I don’t anticipate they all make it with us but they’ll definitely have a career in football

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Pasted from our local rag: Not really surprising, but I would still be surprised and delighted if it happens

Sheffield United and QPR players still wanted by Blues​

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is keen to be reunited with a trio of last season’s loanees at Roots Hall.

Centre-back Kacper Lopata and midfielder Harrison Neal both impressed at Blues from Sheffield United while Joe Gubbins also did well after joining on a temporary basis from QPR later on in the season.

And Maher has registered an interest in trying to bring back all three players.
“We’ve spoken to the club but they’re not our players so we understand the situation and there’s not much else we can do about it right now,” said Maher.
“The clubs want their players to report back for pre-season before deciding what happens next and I completely understand that.”
Centre-back Lopata made 18 appearances for Blues being before recalled by the Blades in March while midfielder Neal played 22 times.
Left-sided defender Gubbins featured in the final 10 games of the season for the Shrimpers.

 

[adamawdhali]

I can see neal returning. I think a loan in the football league is next for lopata

 

[adamawdhali]

Pasted from our local rag: Not really surprising, but I would still be surprised and delighted if it happens

Sheffield United and QPR players still wanted by Blues​

View attachment 137433

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is keen to be reunited with a trio of last season’s loanees at Roots Hall.

Centre-back Kacper Lopata and midfielder Harrison Neal both impressed at Blues from Sheffield United while Joe Gubbins also did well after joining on a temporary basis from QPR later on in the season.

And Maher has registered an interest in trying to bring back all three players.
“We’ve spoken to the club but they’re not our players so we understand the situation and there’s not much else we can do about it right now,” said Maher.
“The clubs want their players to report back for pre-season before deciding what happens next and I completely understand that.”
Centre-back Lopata made 18 appearances for Blues being before recalled by the Blades in March while midfielder Neal played 22 times.
Left-sided defender Gubbins featured in the final 10 games of the season for the Shrimpers.

I can definitely see us loaning more out to you next season although unsure if I’d be the full season. Can see brunt potentially going for half a season to regain some form. Can definitely see neal. Also got a few other positions as well such as RB with seriki, GK with dewhurst and potentially even one of the players who are rated extremely highly such as peck or arblaster- both midfielders playing for England (u17 and u18) but really young so maybe not ready just yet

 

[Wards]

Arblaster may head out for the first half of the season. That'd be a cracking move for him.

 

[Addison]

Pasted from our local rag: Not really surprising, but I would still be surprised and delighted if it happens

Sheffield United and QPR players still wanted by Blues​

View attachment 137433

SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is keen to be reunited with a trio of last season’s loanees at Roots Hall.

Centre-back Kacper Lopata and midfielder Harrison Neal both impressed at Blues from Sheffield United while Joe Gubbins also did well after joining on a temporary basis from QPR later on in the season.

And Maher has registered an interest in trying to bring back all three players.
“We’ve spoken to the club but they’re not our players so we understand the situation and there’s not much else we can do about it right now,” said Maher.
“The clubs want their players to report back for pre-season before deciding what happens next and I completely understand that.”
Centre-back Lopata made 18 appearances for Blues being before recalled by the Blades in March while midfielder Neal played 22 times.
Left-sided defender Gubbins featured in the final 10 games of the season for the Shrimpers.

Lopata in particular and Neal will need to play at a higher level if they are to progress. The players along with Brunt benefited from playing regularly at Southend. The fact Currie is there and knows them helps and should lead to us sending you more of our prospects.

If you're looking for like for like players Nickosen Gomis 20 years old LCB 6 foot 2 was playing National league North with Bradford PA last season. Can also play LB and gets up the pitch a very good prospect who played in the same u23 team as the others. Oliver Arblaster DM. Only 18 years old and not loaned out yet but highly thought of and recently scored winner for England U18's.

 

[bertieblade]

No disrespect to Southend but lopata, Neal and possibly Brunt have already proven themselves at this level would expect us to be looking at placing them in div 2 or possibly 1.
Can however see us placing other young players with them.


edit seems we posted at a similar time

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Thanks chums, where would pre season be without musing on day dream recruits and might be's? especially when the next World Cup is November. Instead we get lumbered with the Nations League .....doh.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

No disrespect to Southend but lopata, Neal and possibly Brunt have already proven themselves at this level would expect us to be looking at placing them in div 2 or possibly 1.
Can however see us placing other young players with them.


edit seems we posted at a similar time

For what it's worth, I reckon our coaching team will probably look elsewhere as we need to get the new squad gelled together rather than waiting for the end of pre-season. For the first time in absolutely ages, I'm really looking forward to the new season. We've ditched all the old deadwood, sicknotes and oldies who's legs have gone, and we're signing players in the right age group with potential for resale. If we do business with you, then great, that will be a real bonus, and personally I would have Neal for another season, but I think it unfair and unlikely as he does need testing at a higher level.

Two SUFCs for promotion next season? what a scary thought.

 

[biggiesablade]

For what it's worth, I reckon our coaching team will probably look elsewhere as we need to get the new squad gelled together rather than waiting for the end of pre-season. For the first time in absolutely ages, I'm really looking forward to the new season. We've ditched all the old deadwood, sicknotes and oldies who's legs have gone, and we're signing players in the right age group with potential for resale. If we do business with you, then great, that will be a real bonus, and personally I would have Neal for another season, but I think it unfair and unlikely as he does need testing at a higher level.

Two SUFCs for promotion next season? what a scary thought.

You are a top bloke hope you still pop in if we don't send anyone your way

 

[Yogi]

For what it's worth, I reckon our coaching team will probably look elsewhere as we need to get the new squad gelled together rather than waiting for the end of pre-season. For the first time in absolutely ages, I'm really looking forward to the new season. We've ditched all the old deadwood, sicknotes and oldies who's legs have gone, and we're signing players in the right age group with potential for resale. If we do business with you, then great, that will be a real bonus, and personally I would have Neal for another season, but I think it unfair and unlikely as he does need testing at a higher level.

Two SUFCs for promotion next season? what a scary thought.

Best of luck for the up coming season Roots hopefully it brings you some success and you continue to pop in here from time to time.

No rumours really linking us other than the two lads you had last year but some of the younger lads others have mentioned above have been very good at youth level and good be very good at conference level if they adapt to the rough and tumble of the men’s game but they’ve not been shrinking violets are youth level and love getting stuck in.

 

[Grappler]

Lopata in particular and Neal will need to play at a higher level if they are to progress. The players along with Brunt benefited from playing regularly at Southend. The fact Currie is there and knows them helps and should lead to us sending you more of our prospects.

If you're looking for like for like players Nickosen Gomis 20 years old LCB 6 foot 2 was playing National league North with Bradford PA last season. Can also play LB and gets up the pitch a very good prospect who played in the same u23 team as the others. Oliver Arblaster DM. Only 18 years old and not loaned out yet but highly thought of and recently scored winner for England U18's.

Another of those lads who looks like a bloke (in a good way, if you see what I mean), tall, strong, pacey (from memory).

I also hope we do end up sending you some of our young up-and-coming lads, as you will always keep us updated on progress!

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Sod your youngsters for the moment (in the nicest possible way), Our official site has just published an update on our proposed new stadium with the expectation we will be in there 2024/25. Capacity has been reduced from 21k to 17k (probably sensible). It just rekindles my hope I will see this happen before I drop off the perch!

I can just see us hosting National League teams in there, especially the ones that bring under the hundred away fans! Mind you, it should be able to house you blokes when we meet again. All we have to do now is swerve any new embargos before the money stream for the new stadium goes on line and hope that our existing chairman (Rugrat Ron) doesn't get banged up for fraud via HMRC, easy peasy eh? I'm almost excited, but it is pre season after all.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

That was so far off topic` it was outrageous, but I knew you'd want to know

 

[Digs blade]

Looks tidy but wheerez Wetherspoons

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Looks tidy but wheerez Wetherspoons

Back in the city centre mate. What was once a new stadium surrounded by food outlets, cinema and retail park is now a stadium surrounded by affordable housing. It seems the only realistic way of forcing planning permission through was to provide the city council with the affordable housing solution answer to their prayers. That also applies to the redevelopment of Roots Hall. I have to say, I will miss the old girl when she goes, asbestos roofs and wooden main stand and all. So many memories.

 

[The Hobott]

For what it's worth, I reckon our coaching team will probably look elsewhere as we need to get the new squad gelled together rather than waiting for the end of pre-season. For the first time in absolutely ages, I'm really looking forward to the new season. We've ditched all the old deadwood, sicknotes and oldies who's legs have gone, and we're signing players in the right age group with potential for resale. If we do business with you, then great, that will be a real bonus, and personally I would have Neal for another season, but I think it unfair and unlikely as he does need testing at a higher level.

Two SUFCs for promotion next season? what a scary thought.

This is the right way to do it. Put the best side you can together and then if anything left over embellish with loans. You can't rely on loans as your backbone as you found out last year when we were forced to recall them (you and Burton) due to our own genuine injury crises. Fingers crossed for your promotion.

 

[ISZA ⚔️]

I expect to see Lopata in L1 next season. Brunt also, hopefully. Playing league football at least. Arblaster has yet to taste mens football so he may go to the National League. Seriki should also be L1/L2 given he only went to Boston as it was the highest league he was allowed to join.

 

[Yogi]

Back in the city centre mate. What was once a new stadium surrounded by food outlets, cinema and retail park is now a stadium surrounded by affordable housing. It seems the only realistic way of forcing planning permission through was to provide the city council with the affordable housing solution answer to their prayers. That also applies to the redevelopment of Roots Hall. I have to say, I will miss the old girl when she goes, asbestos roofs and wooden main stand and all. So many memories.

Something good about that though Roots it might help to create an atmosphere for the new place there’s something about walking through streets of housing and seeing the stands rising above the roof tops.

Stadium MK has food outlets etc surrounding it and it’s always felt soulless having a drink in a business park before a game just feels odd and the restaurants aren’t set up to handle it seeing as they’re very formulaic and normally have small bars with minimal bar staff. Hopefully with the housing and the match day income you might get a couple of decent pubs popping up.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Something good about that though Roots it might help to create an atmosphere for the new place there’s something about walking through streets of housing and seeing the stands rising above the roof tops.

Stadium MK has food outlets etc surrounding it and it’s always felt soulless having a drink in a business park before a game just feels odd and the restaurants aren’t set up to handle it seeing as they’re very formulaic and normally have small bars with minimal bar staff. Hopefully with the housing and the match day income you might get a couple of decent pubs popping up.

You may well be right Yogi. My biggest concern at the moment though is how we can re-locate the Fish House chip shop from where it is now to where it needs to be when the new ground opens. A Southend stadium without the Fish House is unthinkable sacrilege and away supporters would not put up with it.

 

[Yogi]

You may well be right Yogi. My biggest concern at the moment though is how we can re-locate the Fish House chip shop from where it is now to where it needs to be when the new ground opens. A Southend stadium without the Fish House is unthinkable sacrilege and away supporters would not put up with it.

View attachment 137494

Precisely mate these are the sort of things that make a stadium feel like home.

 

[Rootshallbloke]

Back on topic, it looks like we are about to bring in another young centre back from Brackley Town NL North. Very highly rated and was voted into the NL North team of the season last time round. This could well point to Kacper being a non starter for a return now.

 

[Bladesman]

I know they haven’t achieved anything yet but on reflection, how good was that u23 side last season. Just rewatched the highlights from last seasons game vs coventry and the players in that squad… jebbison, Ndiaye, neal, brunt, Seriki, Gordon, lopata, dewhurst, boyes all having very successful seasons this year whether than be non league, championship or league 1 as the case with jebbison. I don’t anticipate they all make it with us but they’ll definitely have a career in football

We seem to have a decent crop of youngsters coming through. We really need to press ahead with improving training facilities and get our academy rating upgraded.

 

[Bladesman]

Back on topic, it looks like we are about to bring in another young centre back from Brackley Town NL North. Very highly rated and was voted into the NL North team of the season last time round. This could well point to Kacper being a non starter for a return now.

I hope we send some more of our youngsters down to you.

 

[adamawdhali]

We seem to have a decent crop of youngsters coming through. We really need to press ahead with improving training facilities and get our academy rating upgraded.

So exciting as well because that squad I listed didn't even have players such as peck, arblaster, Lankshear, Osula, sachdev. I saw on twitter that we'd signed a player from man cities academy for the u16s. exciting times