Southend United relegated to the National League after 101 years in the EFL
02.05.2021
It’s blues for the blues as Southend United crash out of League two, despite courageous form in their last two games. Phil Brown’s Southend side staged a valiant comeback to beat Barrow 2-1 away. This followed another win at Leyton Orient, but wasn’t enough to keep the Essex outfit in the EFL for a 102nd year.
Southend needed Scunthorpe or Bradford to leave the door open, as a win on either side of the clash would have given United a chance to stay up. The draw ended 0-0, dropping Southend into the uncharted waters of the National League.
The club’s fate will be familiar to many grassroots fans, stemming from financial issues which worsened during the pandemic. After an ill-fated nine-month stint under England legend Sol Cambell’s management in October 2019, the club spiralled into debt. This culminated in their relegation from League 1 in 2020, making this April’s events a bitter double-relegation.
Achieving only 44 points from 45 games, the Shrimpers made their 20/21 one to forget. In the 12 matches before their two recent victories, the club only managed a single win. Amid a series of draws and defeats, Southend’s -29 goal difference put an unpatchable hole in their chances of staying up.
However, given a full season with the club next year, Phil Brown stands a fair chance of turning Southend’s fortunes. Brown only returned to the club earlier in April, renewing a stint managing United from 2013-2018. With a veteran’s knowledge of the club, and League 1 side’s facilities and infrastructure, Brown’s Shrimpers should make a huge impact in the National League next season.
Southend needed Scunthorpe or Bradford to leave the door open, as a win on either side of the clash would have given United a chance to stay up. The draw ended 0-0, dropping Southend into the uncharted waters of the National League.
The club’s fate will be familiar to many grassroots fans, stemming from financial issues which worsened during the pandemic. After an ill-fated nine-month stint under England legend Sol Cambell’s management in October 2019, the club spiralled into debt. This culminated in their relegation from League 1 in 2020, making this April’s events a bitter double-relegation.
Achieving only 44 points from 45 games, the Shrimpers made their 20/21 one to forget. In the 12 matches before their two recent victories, the club only managed a single win. Amid a series of draws and defeats, Southend’s -29 goal difference put an unpatchable hole in their chances of staying up.
However, given a full season with the club next year, Phil Brown stands a fair chance of turning Southend’s fortunes. Brown only returned to the club earlier in April, renewing a stint managing United from 2013-2018. With a veteran’s knowledge of the club, and League 1 side’s facilities and infrastructure, Brown’s Shrimpers should make a huge impact in the National League next season.
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