When I was eyeing up February a few weeks ago, Southend away was one of several favourable looking games across the course of the month. Now it’s on the horizon, as has happened a lot this season, it looks a whole lot trickier.

When we played them in late November, I thought they looked a poor side, and were beaten by an out of sorts Town side. However, since Christmas they’ve won 7 and drawn 2 in the league, having lost 0. They’ve also won their last 4, including a 2-0 victory at home to Bromley.

Add to that the virtually inevitable Harry Cardwell goal, we’re going to have to be absolutely on it on the night. This is a game we badly need to win in my opinion.

Every team should be given sufficient respect regardless of league position.

Southend are playing promotion form currently, so will be firm opposition for Town to beat.

The one good thing is that they will want 3 points, so should want to play more open football against us in order to try to win.

It will be a strong challenge for Town to overcome.

Top form needed on the night !!

Every run comes to an end

1-1

We should be happy to come away with a draw, although as there game showed on btsport on Sanday they are vulnerable at the back……..

We should be happy to come away with a draw, although as there game showed on btsport on Sanday they are vulnerable at the back……..

Did I see it was on tv on Friday ??

Quoted from gtfcmd

Did I see it was on tv on Friday ??

Unfortunately BT Sport seem to prefer broadcasting games Saturday teatime at the moment, shame.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Unfortunately BT Sport seem to prefer broadcasting games Saturday teatime at the moment, shame.

In fairness it was us who bent over to Southends demands for a Friday game to attract a bigger crowd

Yellow weather warning for Friday:

Storm Eunice is likely to affect the UK on Friday bringing a period of very strong winds that could cause significant disruption.

Will only affect Friday games  :(

Quoted from GrimRob

Yellow weather warning for Friday:

Storm Eunice is likely to affect the UK on Friday bringing a period of very strong winds that could cause significant disruption.

Will only affect Friday games  :(

We should be used to it by now. Seems to happen almost every time we play.

Quoted from pontoonlew

In fairness it was us who bent over to Southends demands for a Friday game to attract a bigger crowd

On the provision they played us on a Friday night so we got an extra days rest before Solihull away.

If theyre still leaky at the back weve got a good chance, ok weve not kept as many clean sheets as we'd have liked but I feel most games its more about whether we score enough than whether we concede too many

Southend beat us on Friday, and they'll probably be stronger favourites for the play offs than us.. who'd have thought that a few short months ago..

Quoted from Bigdog

Southend beat us on Friday, and they'll probably be stronger favourites for the play offs than us.. who'd have thought that a short few months ago..

All the teams in the playoff spots have played less games than us and even Southend have a game in hand, wouldn't see us as favourites for the playoffs at all. Boreham Wood are 5th having played 5 less games than us! Not sure why, maybe their pitch just can't deal with the weather.

Southend seemed to struggle early on but their current form in the last 5 is the same as Stockport at the top so expect they'll put up more of a fight than the last time we played them while struggling for form ourselves. The good thing is we tend to do better against teams that try to outplay us than teams who defend in numbers and wait for a set piece chance.

Quoted from oochiad

We should be happy to come away with a draw, although as there game showed on btsport on Sanday they are vulnerable at the back……..

Where was our team when Aldershot scored on Saturday, Chamberlain just waltz through our midfield and defence, only for his team mate to take it of his boot and score.
Cannot afford for that to happen against a team in form.

Quoted from Kris2

All the teams in the playoff spots have played less games than us and even Southend have a game in hand, wouldn't see us as favourites for the playoffs at all. Boreham Wood are 5th having played 5 less games than us! Not sure why, maybe their pitch just can't deal with the weather.

Southend seemed to struggle early on but their current form in the last 5 is the same as Stockport at the top so expect they'll put up more of a fight than the last time we played them while struggling for form ourselves. The good thing is we tend to do better against teams that try to outplay us than teams who defend in numbers and wait for a set piece chance.

FA cup, Trophy and the game against us which has been postponed on 3 occasions

Southend are literally not the same team we played in
November large influx of new players has led to improvement. Only three of outfield who started against us and played in their last game, This is one reason why form changes so quickly in this league and shows that it is possible to turn things round without it taking forever.

As you may have seen in my thread of a couple of days ago, former Mariner and Shrimper Dave Worthington will be one of the guests of Southend's Ex Players Association on Friday and will be introduced to the crowd shortly before kick-off. I'm sure he will wave in the direction of the away fans too.

Sad to see that Geoff Barker passed away yesterday. As well as playing for Grimsby he also spent most of the 70/71 season on loan at Southend and was well thought of for his time at Roots Hall. He had only recently joined our (Southend's) ex players association.

Another connection between our two clubs is Gary Moore who passed away back in November. Gary's family were thrilled to see all the lovely comments that fans made at the time and so have sent us a 'memory book' for fans to put comments in if they wish before I then return it to the family The book will be held in the Legends Lounge before and after the match on Friday, and if any Grimsby fan would like to add their tribute words to it just let me know via this forum (or email suepassoc@gmail.com) and I'll make arrangements for you to do that.

There have been many connections between our two clubs over the years - happier memories are when we both went up the leagues (with Cambridge) at the start of the '90's. Less happy ones are from our visit to Blundell Park at the end of the 14/15 season when you failed to hand us the points and so deny us automatic promotion!

Should be a cracking atmosphere on Friday under the lights with an 8,000 crowd currently predicted buoyed by some recent very welcome excellent Shrimpers form after three seasons of, well, us not being very good.

I thought I saw Dave Worthington at Town match on Saturday. If it wasn't him it was his double!

The weather forecast is more severe now. Whilst Southend looks to be missing the worst of the storm and the winds are expected to drop arounf an hour before kick-off, I don’t think there is going to be much chance of getting to the game by public transport. There are winds of up to 80mph expected in the south-east.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

The weather forecast is more severe now. Whilst Southend looks to be missing the worst of the storm and the winds are expected to drop arounf an hour before kick-off, I don’t think there is going to be much chance of getting to the game by public transport. There are winds of up to 80mph expected in the south-east.

So what you are saying is we’ll need to stick a jumper on?

Looking at the forecast this game got to be in doubt

Weather forecast I’ve just seen says gusts between 70 and 90 mph on Friday. It’s not just what happens at the time of the match it is also getting there and back safely. Still too early to make a decision but certainly worth monitoring.

They should move this back to Saturday, leaning strongly towards not going now since I don't really fancy driving all the way down to Essex in 70mph winds.

Quoted from Chrisblor

They should move this back to Saturday, leaning strongly towards not going now since I don't really fancy driving all the way down to Essex in 70mph winds.

They bloody well shouldn't.
People have trains, hotels and days off work booked.

Quoted from GYinScuntland

They bloody well shouldn't.
People have trains, hotels and days off work booked.

It'll be a shame for them when Storm Eunice ends up cancelling a load of trains and causing severe travel disruption throughout Friday then:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ZD3EV6y.png[/img]

Quoted from Chrisblor

It'll be a shame for them when Storm Eunice ends up cancelling a load of trains and causing severe travel disruption throughout Friday then:

[img]https://i.imgur.com/ZD3EV6y.png[/img]

If.

Hope everything is nailed down at the ground - only takes a sheet or 2 coming loose, or other storm damage, to cancel a fixture - stay safe to all those brave people travelling there !!

Quoted from GYinScuntland

They bloody well shouldn't.
People have trains,

Hope you’ve got your Clone Island Jacket, bags of sniff, case of Dark Fruits ready.  ;)

Thought Southend played like us under Hurst last season in the game at BP. Could’ve played all night and they’d have struggled to score. We were in the middle of our bad patch and did enough to win.

Playoffs won’t be earned or lost on Friday night (if the game goes ahead) but you do get the feeling that the result will probably reflect the way our season will go.

Win at Southend, in the form they’re showing, and I reckon we’ll make the playoffs. Lose, and I reckon we’ll fall short.

Draw = as you were.

Just watched the weather for friday on the bbc  and wind is going to gust up to 90 in places  so game from a safety point has to be in serious doubt for more than football reasons  :-/

Have we always had this sort of weather or has it just become worse since they humanised them with names?

Quoted from LH

Have we always had this sort of weather or has it just become worse since they humanised them with names?

We have, but I think that’s the point. Whatever the psychology behind it, having human names makes people pay more attention to it. The fact we’re even having this conversation is evidence of this on itself.

I was reading an article about the number of trees blown down this winter with the storms. Apparently, it's pretty unprecedented to have so many storms coming in like this once after the next and they have obliterated lots of woodland. The directions the storms are coming from have made a difference as well as they usually come from the south west (I think the next 2 are as well) but the winds from Arwen and one of the others came in through the opposite direction which is why so many trees were taken out.

The BBC are saying that the one coming in on Friday (Eunice) might end up being one of the strongest for decades. Batten down the hatches!

Quoted from denni266

Just watched the weather for friday on the bbc  and wind is going to gust up to 90 in places  so game from a safety point has to be in serious doubt for more than football reasons  :-/

Southend looks like it is missing the worst of the winds according to current forecast and the winds are expecetd to die down from 19:00.

So I can’t really see why the game shouldn’t go ahead. Physically getting there will be the issue.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Southend looks like it is missing the worst of the winds according to current forecast and the winds are expecetd to die down from 19:00.

So I can’t really see why the game shouldn’t go ahead. Physically getting there will be the issue.

It’s a good job we have such a good track record of getting to games on time (or at all).

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Southend looks like it is missing the worst of the winds according to current forecast and the winds are expecetd to die down from 19:00.

So I can’t really see why the game shouldn’t go ahead. Physically getting there will be the issue.

I hope it dies down enough for the game to go ahead  ,, And your right getting there may be a bigger problem   for all

Wonder if they’ve replaced their right back. Seem to remember Sousa having a decent game against him at home & could’ve had two or three himself if he’d shown the deadly finishing his displayed on Saturday.

I’d be amazed if the game goes ahead going by the latest predictions of this storm, it’s not your average usual gusty winds and a bit of rain this time unfortunately, going to be a wild one and I’d expect it to be called off Thursday evening/ Fri morning for sure.
Unless this storm is downgraded tomorrow but let’s see how it pans out in the afternoon, can only hope I guess but it’s looking like the worst we’ve had in many years come early doors Friday when it kicks in.

Can only hope common sense prevails.

If it’s off… Lets call it off early.

If it’s on (failing absolute freak events)… Lets announce it early.

Hoping for a nice evening in Southend but think it’s starting to look more and more unlikely.

The threat to travel looks to be the biggest risk. With stuff blowing all over.

Quoted from GYinScuntland

If.

Quoted from Grantham_Mariner

https://twitter.com/LNER/status/1494054960560058377

[img]https://c.tenor.com/Z9O6sGo6wCcAAAAd/oof-old-man.gif[/img]

Moving it to Saturday really is the sensible option here if you ask me. What's the point in keeping it on Friday if the trains are cancelled and the driving conditions all morning and afternoon are verging on dangerous. If the clubs speak to each other tomorrow and agree to shift it back a day it gives everyone enough time to rearrange their plans if they want to attend (and if you've got a hotel booked in Southend for Friday night and can actually make it there in the storm, simply hang around there on Saturday after checking out?)

Morning Grimsby fans, Southend fan here. The biggest issue will be if there is damage to Roots Hall during the game. The weather forecast is still for heavy winds of 40mph+ in the evening up until 8pm and then down to 20mph. Both the main East stand and the West Stand of the Hall are rickety at the best of times and with forecast winds of 70/80 mph during the day who knows if we will have any roofs on the stands at the end of this blow? So moving the game to Saturday would be an option but only provided there is no stand damage. If this game goes ahead please be wary if you travel, better to be safe probably..

From  football perspective this could be a cracking game with both sides playing well.

Is moving forward to a Saturday as easy as it sounds? Lots of people to accommodate such as match officials, club employees and players, all of whom might have made other arrangements.

Don’t bank on trains being running on Saturday if the match is moved back anyway. It only takes one overhead wire to be blown down and the whole line is blocked. I suppose there are 2 different railway lines into Southend from London though.

Quoted from GrimRob

Is moving forward to a Saturday as easy as it sounds? Lots of people to accommodate such as match officials, club employees and players, all of whom might have made other arrangements.

“Moving forward” to Saturday is physically impossible.

The sensible option would be to make a decision today.. if in doubt call it off/move it back.

Quoted from Poojah

We have, but I think that’s the point. Whatever the psychology behind it, having human names makes people pay more attention to it. The fact we’re even having this conversation is evidence of this on itself.

I've also read an article on how giving storms human names was under review because it makes people (stupid people) underestimate the storms.

So they're like, 'It's only Storm Barbara - nice, friendly Barbara - I'll just nip down to the sea front and take in some fresh air' and then they get swept away because it's a fúcking storm.

https://www.shrimperzone.com/forums/threads/weather-for-friday.110406/

Worth keeping tabs on

Hopefully both clubs can give an update about what is happening to help fans decide whether to travel or not. The forecast looks horrendous and travel may not be safe to players, officials or supporters. An early decision is important to prevent wasted journeys.

Red warning issued now. They should just call it off now

It's not as if either team have a backlog of fixtures to catch up on, so the sensible decision would be to call the game off very soonish.

There will be plenty of opportunity to fit in a re-arranged game.

Obviously it'll be a disapointment for those fans who have travel and overnight stays organised but it does seem like the sensible decision.

What's Southend like for a Friday night out anyway?  :)

Better to be safe than sorry.  There are also warnings that their stands will not cope with storm force winds.  As we found out, damage to a stand  can occur shortly before kickoff.

Sometimes you've got to consider what's worse:

Cancelling the game and, come Friday at 7.45pm, everything falls calm and fans moan and say it was actually perfectly fine to play a football match, or

Letting the game go ahead in treacherous conditions and someone gets hurt.


At the end of the day, football is a spectator sport. It's nothing without the fans (no matter what the oil rich and super league breakaway clubs might want to think). So the fans should come first.

Can fans make the match safely? Will they be safe while in the ground? Will they be able to get home safely?

Can the team bus get there safely? Perhaps some players who car share travel in from a different direction - will their journey be affected?

Quoted from out of town

Red warning issued now. They should just call it off now

For the other side of the country - but I do think an early decision needs to be made. I’m not going myself but I’d be mad if I got all the way down there to find that wind that has been forecasted a week in advance gets it called off at an hour or twos notice.

Quoted from RichMariner

I've also read an article on how giving storms human names was under review because it makes people (stupid people) underestimate the storms.

So they're like, 'It's only Storm Barbara - nice, friendly Barbara - I'll just nip down to the sea front and take in some fresh air' and then they get swept away because it's a fúcking storm.

There was a great opportunity missed to troll Donald Trump. Yesterday’s storm should have been called Storm Daniel.

Quoted from out of town

Red warning issued now. They should just call it off now

I understand your sentiment but the red warning is for Wales & the South West.

Quoted from fishcake63

Looking at the forecast this game got to be in doubt

Agree

Surely the common sense thing to do(if possible) would be to move the game back to
a 3pm Saturday kick off, it would give Southend time to assess any stand damage and make
It a lot safer for fans of  both clubs, (but especially ours) to get to the game safely.
Hope this possibly has been exp!ored.

My main concern, and I think its a lot more important than any roofs being blown off.........

How is JMD going to control his flowing locks? They will be all over and he will spend half of the match trying to keep that floppy fringe in situ.

Quoted from RichMariner

I've also read an article on how giving storms human names was under review because it makes people (stupid people) underestimate the storms.

So they're like, 'It's only Storm Barbara - nice, friendly Barbara - I'll just nip down to the sea front and take in some fresh air' and then they get swept away because it's a fúcking storm.

I hope they do drop the names, I’ve always thought it pretty stupid naming them. Get back to telling us about the actual weather, be that a bit blowy, or stormy. The doom mongery of constant names has just become white noise.

I've just had a message from my hotel offering early check-in due to the Luminocity festival running this weekend.
The local echo says today that one of the displays was taken down due to the wind but it's looking much better for tomorrow.
So fingers crossed.

Move it to Saturday that’s  the sensible thing to do ( then I can go 😎)

All schools here in the south west are closed tomorrow

Quoted from lukeo

All schools here in the south west are closed tomorrow

They are all closed in Grimsby too; it's half term.

*I do know there are some regional variations though...

Closed in Germany on Friday because of the wind apparently.

It’s a red

Weather update: a red weather warning has now been issued for the south east (including Southend) between 10:00 & 15:00. The amber warning is still in place after that until 21:00. However the weather forecast for Southend isn't as bad as other places in the region & is now showing the winds dropping before 19:00 and conditions being fine for the match.

So as long as Roots Hall isn’t blown away this morning/lunchtime I can’t see why the match will be called off.

Quoted from lukeo

All schools here in the south west are closed tomorrow

My son’s school is closed on Saturday & Sunday too.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

They are all closed in Grimsby too; it's half term.

*I do know there are some regional variations though...

Oh is it? Well it's not ment to be here until next week

Quoted from GollyGTFC

There was a great opportunity missed to troll Donald Trump. Yesterday’s storm should have been called Storm Daniel.

Storm Dudley doesn't sound menacing.

Quoted from petethemariner

Surely the common sense thing to do(if possible) would be to move the game back to
a 3pm Saturday kick off, it would give Southend time to assess any stand damage and make
It a lot safer for fans of  both clubs, (but especially ours) to get to the game safely.
Hope this possibly has been exp!ored.

Why is the match being played on a Friday, again??

Regardless of conditions at ko surely we should stop fans officials and players travelling during a red alert ?  

It is not essential to fulfill a non league fixture.

Quoted from GrimPol

Why is the match being played on a Friday, again??

Because Southend get higher gates than playing on a Saturday when West Ham are at home.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Regardless of conditions at ko surely we should stop fans officials and players travelling during a red alert ?  

It is not essential to fulfill a non league fixture.

The red alert ends at 3PM and reaches just south of Cambridge (about 65 miles from Roots Hall). The game kicks off at 7:45PM. There’s no need for anyone to travel during the red alert.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

The red alert ends at 3PM and reaches just south of Cambridge (about 65 miles from Roots Hall). The game kicks off at 7:45PM. There’s no need for anyone to travel during the red alert.

I suppose it depends on how accurate that is. I would have thought in this ultra cautious age they would call it off but let's hope you're right and the match goes ahead.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Because Southend get higher gates than playing on a Saturday when West Ham are at home.

In that case, away supporters should have freebies.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

The red alert ends at 3PM and reaches just south of Cambridge (about 65 miles from Roots Hall). The game kicks off at 7:45PM. There’s no need for anyone to travel during the red alert.

noones gonna leave Grimsby at 3 o clock. talking rubbish, they need to make a decision now

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Because Southend get higher gates than playing on a Saturday when West Ham are at home.

Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal?

Quoted from Hagrid

noones gonna leave Grimsby at 3 o clock. talking rubbish, they need to make a decision now

I didn’t say that. I said nobody needs to travel within the red alert area when it’s in force. Games getting called off are a hazard when travelling a distance to games, especially in winter.

I’m going (from Grantham) and we will leave at a time that allows plenty of time to get to Southend but late enough so the worst of the storm (the red alert) is over.

If it gets called off whilst we are travelling that’s just how it goes sometimes. We’ll turn around and go home.

In 30 years of travelling a 140 mile round trip to home games I’ve been either at BP or within 15 miles or so a few times when games have been called off late.

The winds in Southend are worst around lunchtime so if there is structural damage and the game has to be called off it should be early afternoon when it happens so plenty of time for fans to either not travel at all or turn around early into their journey.

Well town have just put a statement out stating they are in dialogue with Southend and will issue further updates in due course

Quoted from GollyGTFC

Because Southend get higher gates than playing on a Saturday when West Ham are at home.

Never thought of that. I remember Southend often got their highlights shown on Saint and Greavsie back in the 80s. I'm sure Greavsie even nicknamed them as 'The Friday night favourites.' A different time that, when any sort of lower league highlights were few and far between.

Quoted from promotion plaice

Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal?

Southend is in Essex. West Ham used to be in Essex. West Ham have a lot of fans in Essex.

GTFC Update on tonight's game....

https://gtfc.co.uk/an-update-on-tonights-fixture/

Quoted from Manchester Mariner

Never thought of that. I remember Southend often got their highlights shown on Saint and Greavsie back in the 80s. I'm sure Greavsie even nicknamed them as 'The Friday night favourites.' A different time that, when any sort of lower league highlights were few and far between.

Tranmere often played on a Friday night (Liverpool and Everton)

Quoted from promotion plaice

GTFC Update on tonight's game....

https://gtfc.co.uk/an-update-on-tonights-fixture/

Southend is an area with a red warning currently, which means the game must be in serious risk of cancellation.

Quoted from smokey111

Tranmere often played on a Friday night (Liverpool and Everton)

Wow  got some round things to take them two on, on the same night   ;) ;D

Quoted from smokey111

Tranmere often played on a Friday night (Liverpool and Everton)

Yep, remember them featured on Sant and Greavsie a fair bit too. Half Man Half Biscuit, the epic Birkenhead indie band often couldn't do gigs on Friday nights such is their devotion to Tranmere. I'm sure I read they gave up a national TV live appearance on The Tube because Tranmere were at home the same night.

This is fu(king ridiculous.

As soon as the weather was reported as being a red weather warning, they should’ve just bit the bullet and cancelled it. Apparently All trains are cancelled so how they expect people to make plans when that’s how they were due to travel is beyond me.

Should just call it off  It's getting there that's the dilemma  I'm only  mins by Train out of Liverpool street already Trains delayed and being cancelled. Storm due between 10-30 and 3-30pm so It may still go ahead
:P

Southend will want this on and the weather looks like it’ll be fine by the time it kicks off. Not morally right allowing fans to travel but they’ll prioritise getting in a few extra West Ham fans.

Makes the decision to play Friday even more frustrating now given the fact it looks fine tomorrow

Red weather warning means risk of life; yet still thinking of playing a game of football?
This is ridiculous! (obviously if Southend were playing badly I'd probably say differently)

Can't believe it's not been called off yet. Asking us to travel through a red weather warning zone where the advice is do not travel is insane. Doesn't matter what the weather will be like at 7pm, at the time the buses are travelling it is not safe to do so.

Travelling to watch a game of football is hardly essential. Should something terrible happen to a supporter, player, official or anyone travelling to and from the game, they've got to live with the fact that a simple common sense postponement would have prevented it.

There will be people hanging on and if no announcement is made, they will decide to head down there in a hurry. I know the people travelling need to take some responsibility of the risks but postponing the game would eliminate that.

Pitch inspection at 4pm when the ref arrives.  Presumably they expect people to travel during a red alert in the hope it might be on. Stupid really.

Quoted from smokey111

Tranmere often played on a Friday night (Liverpool and Everton)

I seem to recall Mick Lyons when he was in charge of us wanted to play games on a Friday, can't remember which game it was but put yhe idea forward in the matchday programme

I’ll cut the clubs a bit of slack on this one. From Southend’s perspective, they’ll want the game on. It costs money to postpone games - both in reduced ticket sales for any rearranged, midweek game and for any food etc that has been purchased which won’t keep until their next home game.

In theory at least, conditions come kick-off time should be playable. Call it off now and the wind dies down by late afternoon and Southend get pelters. Leave it on and an advertising hoarding blows off at 6:30pm, and gets called off then, Southend get pelters.

Like our home game with Boreham Wood in December, which was to be played in not dissimilar conditions, I think the decision will ultimately come down to whether the stadium can withstand the elements (and of course, Town making it to the ground, something we’ve got form for).

Personally I think the game will be on unless Roots Hall is damaged, but that could well mean a late call.

The clubs are acting like the problem is the pitch getting waterlogged or frozen, and not that there's a forecast danger to life for travelling fans from wind throughout the day. It's rubbish from both clubs and their statement doesn't at all address the travel safety issue.

For anyone travelling round the southern side of the m25 the bridge is shut meaning all traffic going towards Southend is down to one tunnel and looks like it will be most of the day as the wind picks up as well. One tunnel means the m25 will be backed up for miles towards the crossing. I was going to go but seriously thinking about not bothering now .

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Pitch inspection at 4pm when the ref arrives.  Presumably they expect people to travel during a red alert in the hope it might be on. Stupid really.

Do we know who the ref is and where they are coming from?

Quoted from bedders78

Do we know who the ref is and where they are coming from?

That was the only info from a tweet by the Telegraph reporter so no sorry I don't know how far the ref has to travel.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

Pitch inspection at 4pm when the ref arrives.  Presumably they expect people to travel during a red alert in the hope it might be on. Stupid really.

That’s not quite what the statement says. It states that the referee will arrive at 4pm, which is frankly an irrelevance; it’s not in the referee’s remit to call this game on or off. The issue will not be with the pitch.

There are scheduled ground inspections toons (which I read as the stadium structure, not the pitch) at 1pm and 3pm, by which time the storm will have peaked. Presumably the hope is that if the ground is still intact at that point, it will survive the remainder of the storm. No guarantees but I don’t see it as a wholly unreasonable strategy under the circumstances.

I feel for anyone trying to make a call as to whether to go or not, but it’s not really fair to blame Southend or Town for meteorological phenomena.

Quoted from Poojah

That’s not quite what the statement says. It states that the referee will arrive at 4pm, which is frankly an irrelevance; it’s not in the referee’s remit to call this game on or off. The issue will not be with the pitch.

There are scheduled ground inspections toons (which I read as the stadium structure, not the pitch) at 1pm and 3pm, by which time the storm will have peaked. Presumably the hope is that if the ground is still intact at that point, it will survive the remainder of the storm. No guarantees but I don’t see it as a wholly unreasonable strategy under the circumstances.

I feel for anyone trying to make a call as to whether to go or not, but it’s not really fair to blame Southend or Town for meteorological phenomena.

No but if Southend is in the red alert area (I understand it is) they really should just bite the bullet and call it off now. It's not a case of whether the pitch is fit or the stands are intact but the safety of several thousand people travelling to Roots.

Quoted from bedders78

Do we know who the ref is and where they are coming from?

No idea but he's on his way

[img]https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_story_slideshow/public/story/2016/04/a_mystery_pilot_waves_as_chitty_chitty_bang_bang_o_551ade677c.jpg?itok=5T9epNjP[/img]

[tweet]1494621148277055488[/tweet]

Note it references “ground inspections” and not “pitch inspections”.

So look out for updates after 1PM and 3PM.

Quoted from Poojah

That’s not quite what the statement says. It states that the referee will arrive at 4pm, which is frankly an irrelevance; it’s not in the referee’s remit to call this game on or off. The issue will not be with the pitch.

There are scheduled ground inspections toons (which I read as the stadium structure, not the pitch) at 1pm and 3pm, by which time the storm will have peaked. Presumably the hope is that if the ground is still intact at that point, it will survive the remainder of the storm. No guarantees but I don’t see it as a wholly unreasonable strategy under the circumstances.

I feel for anyone trying to make a call as to whether to go or not, but it’s not really fair to blame Southend or Town for meteorological phenomena.

The tweet clearly said there will be pitch inspection at 4pm when the referee is expected to arrive.

Obviously the clubs will be keeping constant tabs on the situation but the ref will have a big say on whether it goes ahead wont he ?

Southend staff and fans are sellotaping the roof back on, so the game should be on.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

No but if Southend is in the red alert area (I understand it is) they really should just bite the bullet and call it off now. It's not a case of whether the pitch is fit or the stands are intact but the safety of several thousand people travelling to Roots.

Turkey’s don’t vote for Christmas though. If it’s not safe for people to travel then the police should be the ones to call it off (as is usually the case when matches are called off in extreme cold weather and the areas around the stadium are unsafe).

Southend aren’t responsible for what happens outside of their own grounds.

Quoted from pen penfras

Can't believe it's not been called off yet. Asking us to travel through a red weather warning zone where the advice is do not travel is insane. Doesn't matter what the weather will be like at 7pm, at the time the buses are travelling it is not safe to do so.

To be strictly accurate, nobody is ‘asking you to travel’ are they. You’re responsible for your own decision based on all the info and advice available.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

The tweet clearly said there will be pitch inspection at 4pm when the referee is expected to arrive.

Obviously the clubs will be keeping constant tabs on the situation but the ref will have a big say on whether it goes ahead wont he ?

The statement from the club reads:

“In addition, the match officials are due to arrive at Roots Hall at approximately 4pm this afternoon.”

I’m not sure the ref is qualified to make a call on the safety of the stadium and / or the surrounding areas, is he? That would sit with a combination of the club safety officer and the police, I’d have thought.

Quoted from Poojah

Southend aren’t responsible for what happens outside of their own grounds.

But town are held responsible for some of their fans travelling by train to Nottingham?

Quoted from Poojah

The statement from the club reads:

“In addition, the match officials are due to arrive at Roots Hall at approximately 4pm this afternoon.”

I’m not sure the ref is qualified to make a call on the safety of the stadium and / or the surrounding areas, is he? That would sit with a combination of the club safety officer and the police, I’d have thought.

Sorry I realised you meant the club statement rather than the Telegraph tweet which is the info I had.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

But town are held responsible for some of their fans travelling by train to Nottingham?

I don’t want to get into an argument here, but has the club faced any kind of direct action for that? If it has, hands up, I’ve missed it.

The club, more broadly, may suffer in the sense that we face more reduced ticket allocations and more early kick-offs, but I’m not aware of any fines etc thrown at us for whatever happened at Notts County.

As long as the stadium is safe, then there is no need for Southend to call the game off.  The winds from 1900 for the rest of the night are in the low 20's, so no reason to call the game off.  Much as we don't like it, they do not have to consider away fans and if the stadium is good, I'm fairly sure the game will be on.

Just as an aside, it’s interesting how the police, Councils, SAGs and whoever else wants to stick their oar in can move games at the drop of a hat if they think a small number of fans might drink too much or have a fight, but when there’s a demonstrable threat to every single spectator, player or official attending, they all disappear and it’s essentially a decision for a bloke in Southend’s office to make.

Just goes to show where their priorities lie, and it’s certainly not the safety and well-being of fans as they always say.

For those in Grimsby, take a look at the weather forecast for Grimsby & Southend. Despite Southend being in a red warning area & Grimsby just an amber warning area the weather is actually worse in Grimsby today than Southend is forecast to get.

So, if you’re comfortable with driving with the conditions in Grimsby as you leave then you shouldn’t have an issue getting down to Roots Hall.

Grantham (where I live) is the same. i.e. worse than Southend.

We’ll be leaving at an appropriate time to allow for hold-ups and to get something to eat and I have 3 different routes planned should there be any road/traffic issues.

Quoted from GollyGTFC

For those in Grimsby, take a look at the weather forecast for Grimsby & Southend. Despite Southend being in a red warning area & Grimsby just an amber warning area the weather is actually worse in Grimsby today than Southend is forecast to get.

So, if you’re comfortable with driving with the conditions in Grimsby as you leave then you shouldn’t have an issue getting down to Roots Hall.

Grantham (where I live) is the same. i.e. worse than Southend.

We’ll be leaving at an appropriate time to allow for hold-ups and to get something to eat and I have 3 different routes planned should there be any road/traffic issues.

its allright here! suns out

Quoted from 123614

As long as the stadium is safe, then there is no need for Southend to call the game off.  The winds from 1900 for the rest of the night are in the low 20's, so no reason to call the game off.  Much as we don't like it, they do not have to consider away fans and if the stadium is good, I'm fairly sure the game will be on.

Gusts of wind still in the 40s when the match is on.

The other thing Southend have to factor in is the travel and safety of their employees. All the stewards, ticket office staff, turnstile operators who have to travel to work.

Southend Update...

https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2022/february/update-grimsby-match/

Quoted from Poojah

I don’t want to get into an argument here, but has the club faced any kind of direct action for that? If it has, hands up, I’ve missed it.

The club, more broadly, may suffer in the sense that we face more reduced ticket allocations and more early kick-offs, but I’m not aware of any fines etc thrown at us for whatever happened at Notts County.

No arguments this end mate.

I think ska just summed it up nicely. The rhetoric that the police etc spout off when the fans are ‘the issue’ is a pi55 take considering the weather could actually cause a much more immediate threat. It’s easier, some would say, to manage a group of people, rather than tiles being blown off a roof or a tree falling into the road.

Quoted from Hagrid

its allright here! suns out

Same in Grantham where the weather forecasts say we’re having 75mph gusts of wind.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Gusts of wind still in the 40s when the match is on.

The other thing Southend have to factor in is the travel and safety of their employees. All the stewards, ticket office staff, turnstile operators who have to travel to work.

The app I use says down to low 20s (a fresh breeze) by 8PM.

I guess the concern from fans is more about wasted journeys and money but in reality, that’s always a risk.

I know public safety, and in a world of litigation and so forth there’s much more precaution these days but what was it like before saturated media? I don’t remember school closures or rail closures and panic about travelling? Did it exist, or do we simply care more now? Genuine question.

I also understand that Roots Hall is hardly a modern venue so there has to be some sort of risk factor there. I do agree though, weather warnings all over the place, a longish journey and some chap in an office is likely to make the decision…ten half cut blokes on a train potentially turning up, police various agencies wade in…

Latest from Roots Hall

https://www.southendunited.co.uk/news/2022/february/update-grimsby-match/

Was planning to leave by now but given trees getting blown over and flying debris, don’t think it’s worth the risk travelling over 4 hours.  I’d really like to go as not visited Roots Hall before but it does seem a bit mad given the weather warnings. :(

yeah great driving weather down south today, looks really safe to expect anyone to drive down there in these conditions

https://twitter.com/BJFHubbard/status/1494650273549201408

Quoted from GollyGTFC

The app I use says down to low 20s (a fresh breeze) by 8PM.

Gusts I said.

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/u10mpzy7h#?date=2022-02-18

Quoted from aldi_01

I guess the concern from fans is more about wasted journeys and money but in reality, that’s always a risk.

I know public safety, and in a world of litigation and so forth there’s much more precaution these days but what was it like before saturated media? I don’t remember school closures or rail closures and panic about travelling? Did it exist, or do we simply care more now? Genuine question.

I also understand that Roots Hall is hardly a modern venue so there has to be some sort of risk factor there. I do agree though, weather warnings all over the place, a longish journey and some chap in an office is likely to make the decision…ten half cut blokes on a train potentially turning up, police various agencies wade in…

There’s more of these storms than there used to be. And yes we are more risk averse as a society. So a bit of both.

I was going to travel down with a friend but don't want to risk a postponement. I've also had some horrible journeys down to the London area this season for Town and Brentford games.

I remember getting stuck in traffic behind an overturned lorry going to Cambridge in the FA Trophy in 2014. We got in the ground at 320pm. I think the Town supporters coach made the last fifteen minutes of the game.

Four days later the car I was in was wrecked after being hit by a lorry doing 60mph. That was coming back from a midweek game at Barnet. I think we used a few lives up that day so I'll give it a miss!

If this is accurate, then Southend will escape the worst of the winds until after the game.

https://fb.watch/bfkm1jCSoo/

Quoted from 800

I was going to travel down with a friend but don't want to risk a postponement. I've also had some horrible journeys down to the London area this season for Town and Brentford games.

I remember getting stuck in traffic behind an overturned lorry going to Cambridge in the FA Trophy in 2014. We got in the ground at 320pm. I think the Town supporters coach made the last fifteen minutes of the game.

Four days later the car I was in was wrecked after being hit by a lorry doing 60mph. That was coming back from a midweek game at Barnet. I think we used a few lives up that day so I'll give it a miss!

Last time I give you a fcukin lift and no mistake.

An hour north of Southend here.. the winds are mental. Definitely gusts of the reported 70mph. Safety aside.. you couldn't even attempt to play football in this at present. Expected to drop to 40mph by teatime. If you travel, and the game's still on.. don't expect a classic..

The biggest threat to the match is a bit of the Millemmium Dome flying past and damaging a stand or floodlight.

IF the game does go ahead, I can see this being our lowest away following this season, or quite a few seasons even as a lot of regulars won't be going due to the traveling conditions and possibility of a late postponement.

I think aside from being worried about traveling to the game, if you’ve got a ticket I’d suggest that your biggest worry tonight should be what a shite game the conditions are likely to make it.

Crocombe could be a good shout for first goalscorer as long as we kick with the wind first half. No chance of anyone kicking the ball forward against this wind at present..

All trains cancelled round me, very frustrating after booking off work and looking forward to it all week. If it does go ahead, will be cheering them on from afar. UTM

Quoted from Bigdog

Crocombe could be a good shout for first goalscorer as long as we kick with the wind first half. No chance of anyone kicking the ball forward against this wind at present..

Also if we kick against the wind first half, with our luck it will blow back over his head  ;)

Sounds lovely down there for anyone mad enough to have travelled

https://twitter.com/E_Whitehouse293/status/1494680580126093315

It's certainly a bit lively down here at the moment. No further news from SUFC regarding the 13:00hrs inspection. Another one due at 15:00hrs and then the ref's one at 16:00 hrs. Looks like the game will be on as wind speeds are due to drop about 18:00hrs.

I reckon Southend are keen to get this game played 'cos they've heard we are in a state of Dieseruvwe.

Just touched down in Southend.

I’ve not seen anything that overly concerns me.

[img]https://i.ibb.co/6ypWx8J/index.jpg[/img]

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Gusts of wind still in the 40s when the match is on.

The other thing Southend have to factor in is the travel and safety of their employees. All the stewards, ticket office staff, turnstile operators who have to travel to work.

The Met Office says different, fastest wind speed will be 26mph at 17:00 hrs, and then all lower wind speed for the rest of the night.
.
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/u10t0nxqf#?date=2022-02-18

Quoted from 123614

The Met Office says different, fastest wind speed will be 26mph at 17:00 hrs, and then all lower wind speed for the rest of the night.
.
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/u10t0nxqf#?date=2022-02-18

Gusts are only sporadic and 44 isn't that bad anyway.

Quoted from 123614

The Met Office says different, fastest wind speed will be 26mph at 17:00 hrs, and then all lower wind speed for the rest of the night.
.
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/u10t0nxqf#?date=2022-02-18

Read the line below the wind speed. The gusts are what will cause damage to buildings and bring trees down.

Quoted from 123614

The Met Office says different, fastest wind speed will be 26mph at 17:00 hrs, and then all lower wind speed for the rest of the night.
.
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/u10t0nxqf#?date=2022-02-18

I think someone doesn't understand what a wind gust is! The fastest (strongest) wind speed will be around 47mph.

Quoted from TheRealJohnLewis

I think someone doesn't understand what a wind gust is! The fastest (strongest) wind speed will be around 47mph.

Lol, I've been in just about all weathers possible during my career, as I tell my sons, never assume anything.

Currently (3pm) sat in pub outside Fenchurch St station.
All trains from here and Liverpool Street suspended at the moment with no idea if and when running.
Long 5 hour trip from Doncaster too due to slow running 50mph maximum and debris on line.
Hope I make Southend, it's where my bloody hotel is.

Quoted from 123614

Lol, I've been in just about all weathers possible during my career, as I tell my sons, never assume anything.

You should look at the link below, it shows you that Beaufort Windscale 8 covers 39-46 gusts, which it describes as, "Twigs and small branches are broken from
trees, walking is difficult. Moderately large waves with blown foam."

https://www.hastings.gov.uk/content/event-planning/pdfs/Beaufort_Wind_Scale.pdf

Quoted from 123614

You should look at the link below, it shows you that Beaufort Windscale 8 covers 39-46 mph gusts, which it describes as, "Twigs and small branches are broken from
trees, walking is difficult. Moderately large waves with blown foam."

https://www.hastings.gov.uk/content/event-planning/pdfs/Beaufort_Wind_Scale.pdf

Dave Moore will be in shorts regardless.

Southend tweeting about the game as if it’s going ahead. Read into that what you will.

https://mobile.twitter.com/SUFCRootsHall/status/1494695705579069446

Just seen on the news that we've had the strongest ever recorded wind speed in the UK in the Needles on the Isle of Wight. 122 MPH.

That's a tad breezy.

Quoted from ginnywings

Just seen on the news that we've had the strongest ever recorded wind speed in the UK in the Needles on the Isle of Wight. 122 MPH.

That's a tad breezy.

Meh...barely even a category 3 hurricane that. Keep it on the floor, lads!

Quoted from 123614

You should look at the link below, it shows you that Beaufort Windscale 8 covers 39-46 gusts, which it describes as, "Twigs and small branches are broken from
trees, walking is difficult. Moderately large waves with blown foam."

https://www.hastings.gov.uk/content/event-planning/pdfs/Beaufort_Wind_Scale.pdf

What about if during the six hours previous to this there has been greater strength winds and trees and buildings have already been weakened?

Quoted from LH

What about if during the six hours previous to this there has been greater strength winds and trees and buildings have already been weakened?

I never assume anything.

Quoted from 123614

I never assume anything.  If we lived our lives assuming stuff like that, we would never go out the house.

Non-footy but wind related...  This live stream of planes trying to land at Heathrow right now is compelling viewing....

[youtube]vPQh1FrbOc0[/youtube]

Quoted from pizzzza

Non-footy but wind related...  This live stream of planes trying to land at Heathrow right now is compelling viewing....

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPQh1FrbOc0[/youtube]

Ah, crosswind landings. I had the pleasure of experiencing one of those first hand a few years ago. I’ve made sure to pack a fresh pair of underpants in my hand luggage ever since.

https://youtu.be/7P9OAng32F0

Bournemouth against Forest off

100 lads already there and staying the night so all you lot sat in your living rooms / bedrooms calling for it to be off need to give your head a shake.

Citing safety reasons whilst munching a beetroot sarney watching Tipping Point.

Quoted from male private Nale

100 lads already there and staying the night so all you lot sat in your living rooms / bedrooms calling for it to be off need to give your head a shake.

Citing safety reasons whilst munching a beetroot sarney watching Tipping Point.

Yes...A child being killed at the game by falling debris is not more important than the fact some people booked hotel rooms for the non-cancel rate to save £10 and can't cancel if the game is off.

Quoted from male private Nale

100 lads already there and staying the night so all you lot sat in your living rooms / bedrooms calling for it to be off need to give your head a shake.

Citing safety reasons whilst munching a beetroot sarney watching Tipping Point.

What an odd response? You ok?

Someone on the Southend forum is saying our supporters coaches have turned round, anyone know if that's true?

Who eats a beetroot Sarney? Possibly Russians
Very odd, That said I would rather eat a beetroot Sarney than watch tipping point

Quoted from Bigdog

Crocombe could be a good shout for first goalscorer as long as we kick with the wind first half. No chance of anyone kicking the ball forward against this wind at present..

Will suit Coke.

Game off. Southend just Tweeted.

Game off, dreadful behaviour from Southend to leave it all day

Outrageous

Quoted from male private Nale

100 lads already there and staying the night so all you lot sat in your living rooms / bedrooms calling for it to be off need to give your head a shake.

Citing safety reasons whilst munching a beetroot sarney watching Tipping Point.

Have a nice night in Southend mate.

Ooof

"Following significant deterioration and damage caused to the Roots Hall Stadium between 2pm and 4pm"

Hope the Southend nightlife treats everyone well down there!  

Totally foreseeable.  Maybe clubs will start trusting weather forecasts eventually.

Quoted from 123614

You should look at the link below, it shows you that Beaufort Windscale 8 covers 39-46 gusts, which it describes as, "Twigs and small branches are broken from
trees, walking is difficult. Moderately large waves with blown foam."

https://www.hastings.gov.uk/content/event-planning/pdfs/Beaufort_Wind_Scale.pdf

Anyone seen a summer house roof - last spotted going down A180 at 100 mph ?

NO NO NO my daughter went down on the train this morning, This is disgusting & an outrage, this was assumed to be on when she left this morning that's why she went, these fooking football clubs should have said NO at 8 am this morning or even last night.

Quoted from bradzmilne

Just touched down in Southend.

I’ve not seen anything that overly concerns me.

Marvellous.

really poor from Southend, this should have been off at 9am this morning

Quoted from GrimRob

"Following significant deterioration and damage caused to the Roots Hall Stadium between 2pm and 4pm"

Causing £4 worth of destruction

Quoted from Kris2

Yes...A child being killed at the game by falling debris is not more important than the fact some people booked hotel rooms for the non-cancel rate to save £10 and can't cancel if the game is off.

A bit sarky towards the many, like me, who book saver rate trains and hotels weeks or months in advance.
It could make the difference between seeing half a dozen away games or a dozen.
And trust me we save a bloody lot more than your derisory tenner.

Fans considered last yet again. Feel very sorry for anyone who travelled down (or is in the process of travelling at this minute) when this was foreseeable for the last 48 hours. Utterly shite from Southend

I was on top of the Ashdown Forest in Sussex at 1pm and could barely stand up . Strongest continuous wind I’ve ever been in . It was obvious the game would have to be postponed and disgusting they left it this late . It wasn’t a freak incident, they knew it was on its way and how many tickets they’d sold at the Town ticket office, not counting the many exiles who would’ve gone .

Why didn't they call it off yesterday or this morning? "Worst storm for 30 years" "danger to life"  etc? They must be as thick as sh*t.

Just read through the thread. Had the collected wisdom of the Fishy contributors been heeded this should have been put dealt with days ago, either by moving it to Saturday or an early postponement.

Well at lease there won’t be 90 mins of disappointment in what will be an epic all dayer.

Should have been called off yesterday. It was pretty obvious the game wouldn't go ahead.

Shocking from Southend!

Suggest organise free coaches and entry for rearranged game.

Took them long enough  , should have been called off yesterday ,, and we dont need another friday night game pls

I am going to send them an invoice for my fuel.

Quoted from male private Nale

100 lads already there and staying the night so all you lot sat in your living rooms / bedrooms calling for it to be off need to give your head a shake.

Citing safety reasons whilst munching a beetroot sarney watching Tipping Point.

You really are a complete male private.

Quoted from GYinScuntland

A bit sarky towards the many, like me, who book saver rate trains and hotels weeks or months in advance.
It could make the difference between seeing half a dozen away games or a dozen.
And trust me we save a bloody lot more than your derisory tenner.

You are the one who makes the choice to pay lower rates that are non-flexible and only have yourself to blame when the elements get a game called off. Getting angry at me won't make it not a personal choice, hopefully what you save will cover what you lose when an away game is called off. Most budget hotels you'll only save maybe £10-20 on a booking that is uncancellable compared to a rate you can cancel, I travel plenty and know full well what you save. I don't think it's worth it for something like football that can easily be called off because of weather. If the game is off you get a night out somewhere or you lose the money you spent.

I think that the decision should have been made earlier but it won't help people who pay cheap rates for non-flexible bookings that can't be refunded, will it? It was obvious by this morning that there was no way the game was going ahead and winds only got worse during the day. The same people sulking that their Friday night is ruined would be the same ones tearing Southend apart for keeping the game on if something bad happened because of it. Either way I don't see the point in being angry that it wasn't called off if you were going to go anyway.

I’m going to be slightly controversial here and say that if you travelled down after the weather warning was upgraded to red you’ve only got yourself to blame and you shouldn’t blame Southend for your own poor decisions. It was obvious to many of us on here that it was going to be impacted by the weather for a couple of days. Southend were only ever going to try and get the game on given their form and needing money.

Southend and football need to take a leaf out of Boris’s book and listen to the science this storm was forecasted days ago.

Quoted from GrimRob

Just read through the thread. Had the collected wisdom of the Fishy contributors been heeded this should have been put dealt with days ago, either by moving it to Saturday or an early postponement.

To be fair I was one who wanted it on as paid for non refundable hotels and trains.
It's bit me in the bottom this time though. 😉

Climate change deniers are claiming that all the trees that have fallen down were old and had pre-existing conditions  :)

After the warnings could easily have been moved to saturday , ok i set off & am rather peed off but it was my choice to go so as people say i got my just rewards

Quoted from arryarryarry

You really are a complete male private.

Nice personal slur , enjoy Midsomer Murders and don’t let the beetroot spill down your ill fitting town top.

Genuine question.. Why can't it be played tomorrow lunch time or 3pm? Unless the damage is going to take a few days to repair..

Quoted from Bristol Mariner

Suggest organise free coaches and entry for rearranged game.

That is unacceptable, we are trying to build a sustainable football club not give out handouts

Quoted from Kris2

You are the one who makes the choice to pay lower rates that are non-flexible and only have yourself to blame when the elements get a game called off. Getting angry at me won't make it not a personal choice, hopefully what you save will cover what you lose when an away game is called off. Most budget hotels you'll only save maybe £10-20 on a booking that is uncancellable compared to a rate you can cancel, I travel plenty and know full well what you save. I don't think it's worth it for something like football that can easily be called off because of weather. If the game is off you get a night out somewhere or you lose the money you spent.

I think that the decision should have been made earlier but it won't help people who pay cheap rates for non-flexible bookings that can't be refunded, will it? It was obvious by this morning that there was no way the game was going ahead and winds only got worse during the day. The same people sulking that their Friday night is ruined would be the same ones tearing Southend apart for keeping the game on if something bad happened because of it. Either way I don't see the point in being angry that it wasn't called off if you were going to go anyway.

Absolutely everything that's wrong with the Fishy these days.
Everyone on each others backs.
Instead of thoughts with and empathy it's my fault for making the effort.
And I didn't get angry with you either.

Quoted from lukeo

Genuine question.. Why can't it be played tomorrow lunch time or 3pm? Unless the damage is going to take a few days to repair..

There's a massive hole been blown in the roof of one of their stands. I'd be really surprised if it's the sort of job that can be sorted out and all signed off on from a H&S perspective in under 24hrs.

Quoted from 123614

The Met Office says different, fastest wind speed will be 26mph at 17:00 hrs, and then all lower wind speed for the rest of the night.
.
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/forecast/u10t0nxqf#?date=2022-02-18

It’s academic now but my source was the Met office website.

Quoted from male private Nale

100 lads already there and staying the night so all you lot sat in your living rooms / bedrooms calling for it to be off need to give your head a shake.

Citing safety reasons whilst munching a beetroot sarney watching Tipping Point.

Aptly named poster.

Im fking fuming at the moment. Weve turned around near Bedford on A1, why couldnt Southend see sense and cancel the game much earlier.. Im more peed off with myself for making the journey, or trying to, but what price do u put on supporting your Club. Blowing really hard here, so i should of known Roots hall ground would of succumbed to the weather, a lesson learnt, shame they couldnt of re-arranged the game for saturday, would of got hotel, but hey ho.

Quoted from Roast Em Bobby

Climate change deniers are claiming that all the trees that have fallen down were old and had pre-existing conditions  :)

To be fair, a lot of the leafless ones would have had pre-existing conditions.

But, yeah, climate change deniers….föök em

Quoted from KingstonMariner

Aptly named poster.

Steady on ole boy , you’ll spill your Horlicks.

Quoted from male private Nale

Steady on ole boy , you’ll spill your Horlicks.

As opposed to the right Horlicks you’ve made of your posts today 😆

Quoted from KingstonMariner

As opposed to the right Horlicks you’ve made of your posts today 😆

Ouch ... razor sharp this evening

I've just got in from cycling round the wolds.  Yes it's windy but I'm sure everything get blown out of proportion in this country compared to other parts of the world where they really do get adverse weather conditions.

No fornicator makes anyone go…did I moan when Plymouth got called off the other year as I pulled in to the car park? No, I realised the stand was bollocksed and just realised that sadly the club didn’t have a choice…

Some whiny illegitimates about…

Quoted from dicko995

Im fking fuming at the moment. Weve turned around near Bedford on A1, why couldnt Southend see sense and cancel the game much earlier.. Im more peed off with myself for making the journey, or trying to, but what price do u put on supporting your Club. Blowing really hard here, so i should of known Roots hall ground would of succumbed to the weather, a lesson learnt, shame they couldnt of re-arranged the game for saturday, would of got hotel, but hey ho.

The roof of the West Stand didn't become seriously damaged until this afternoon and, at that point it was obvious that the game couldn't take place without endangering supporters. Until that point the Stands were intact and the pitch perfectly playable. I get that it's really disappointing, especially when supporters have already travelled, I've had it happen to me many times, including aways at Grimsby, it's the lot of fans at times. but it's better to safe rather than sorry after the event. Tickets will be valid for the re-arranged game.

Quoted from Ashby mariner

I've just got in from cycling round the wolds.  Yes it's windy but I'm sure everything get blown out of proportion in this country compared to other parts of the world where they really do get adverse weather conditions.

In fairness, Roots Hall has had sheets of its roof torn off by the wind. Daylight where there shouldn’t be. Have a look at the state of the O2 Arena when you get a moment. I think the north has escaped the worst of this one, but it’s been pretty rough down south.

https://mobile.twitter.com/BBCNick/status/1494716751925456897

Some Yellow cards need flashing before the Red one appears.

Safe journey back B&W Army.

Quoted from Ashby mariner

I've just got in from cycling round the wolds.  Yes it's windy but I'm sure everything get blown out of proportion in this country compared to other parts of the world where they really do get adverse weather conditions.

Weather can be different in different parts of the world eh? Interesting…

Well that was the most flipping predictable outcome FFS.

This sort of thing continues to go on and it's about time it stopped. No thought for fans. About time those in control realised you don't keep mugging off those who keep their business going.

Without fans there is no professional game. It becomes a Sunday  League kickabout.

I get trying to get games on. But that part of the country is in red weather warning area. They aren't that common in this country. Potential loss of life.

Govt advice not to make unnecessary travel. Large parts of public transport shut down. Traffic chaos and widespread disruption.

The game had been in doubt for a few days. The forecast was known. At no point do i believe the chances of getting the game on were anywhere near even 50/50.

It's not like they would have been confident then a late change to the weather buggered things up. All this was flipping predicted.

No don't give a f**k about fans. Game should have been called off yesterday at the latest.

Rotherham V Wigan still going ahead of desperate to go to a game tonight

Quoted from Ashby mariner

I've just got in from cycling round the wolds.  Yes it's windy but I'm sure everything get blown out of proportion in this country compared to other parts of the world where they really do get adverse weather conditions.

My garage has just been blown out of proportion. I’d say it’s pretty adverse conditions out there but I daren’t start an argument with someone who has been cycling in it.

Quoted from Ashby mariner

I've just got in from cycling round the wolds.  Yes it's windy but I'm sure everything get blown out of proportion in this country compared to other parts of the world where they really do get adverse weather conditions.

Tell that to the family of the three (so far) that have died

If the stands had remained intact then would the game have gone ahead? We had a similar situation before Christmas due to damage to the Youngs Stand. If that hadn't been damaged I am sure that game would have gone ahead. A poster mentioned the Millennium Dome being damaged. The scheduled concert for tonight was only cancelled after the roof was shredded.

Quoted from Ashby mariner

I've just got in from cycling round the wolds.  Yes it's windy but I'm sure everything get blown out of proportion in this country compared to other parts of the world where they really do get adverse weather conditions.

That’ll be why they closed schools in the Netherlands and Germany then eh?!

Quoted from Poojah

In fairness, Roots Hall has had sheets of its roof torn off by the wind. Daylight where there shouldn’t be. Have a look at the state of the O2 Arena when you get a moment. I think the north has escaped the worst of this one, but it’s been pretty rough down south.

https://mobile.twitter.com/BBCNick/status/1494716751925456897

122 mph winds on the Isle of Wight and 80mph winds recorded in much of inland Southern England, which is unheard of. One our trees came down , how it missed the house is a miracle.
Lorries blown over, roofs ripped off, trees down - how this wasn't called off 24 hours ago i will never know

Think the issue that there were warnings of widespread disruption to travel and the red alert covered most of the southeast of the country. A red weather warning is the highest alert level and there is a definite risk to life when travelling (as borne out by the number of deaths in vehicles today from trees falling or debris coming through the windscreen). There was also an amber warning issued covering from the Humber to the south coast which again indicates that there is a significant risk of damage to buildings and structures including roofs being blown off.

In addition there was also an indication of what was to come as the weather front hit the south west this morning and the highest ever wind speed was recorded hours before (12:00) at 122 mph as the front tracked towards Southend.

All this information should have been considered and the game should have been called off by mid-day at the latest as it was clear that the weather would hit the Southend area mid-afternoon. It would seem that the only thing that was of interest to Southend was loss of revenue and there was no moral consideration for the safety of people travelling to the game.

That's why there is a lot of ill feeling and the view that there was sufficient information to act in a precautionary manner to prevent harm to anyone travelling.

Quoted from Dave Gilberts Left Peg

That is unacceptable, we are trying to build a sustainable football club not give out handouts

Bollox with respect this is a one off, not every week.

Quoted from Mrbump53

Think the issue that there were warnings of widespread disruption to travel and the red alert covered most of the southeast of the country. A red weather warning is the highest alert level and there is a definite risk to life when travelling (as borne out by the number of deaths in vehicles today from trees falling or debris coming through the windscreen). There was also an amber warning issued covering from the Humber to the south coast which again indicates that there is a significant risk of damage to buildings and structures including roofs being blown off.

In addition there was also an indication of what was to come as the weather front hit the south west this morning and the highest ever wind speed was recorded hours before (12:00) at 122 mph as the front tracked towards Southend.

All this information should have been considered and the game should have been called off by mid-day at the latest as it was clear that the weather would hit the Southend area mid-afternoon. It would seem that the only thing that was of interest to Southend was loss of revenue and there was no moral consideration for the safety of people travelling to the game.

That's why there is a lot of ill feeling and the view that there was sufficient information to act in a precautionary manner to prevent harm to anyone travelling.

I think Southend did what football clubs do; they held out as long as they could in the hope that the game could go ahead, regardless of how unlikely it looked. Taking the Friday night out of the equation, the circumstances aren’t that different to the Boreham Wood game at home in December, which was postponed about 3 hours before kick-off because bits of the stadium had flown off.

Perhaps this needs to be taken out of clubs’ hands. If a ground remains forecast to be in a yellow or red warning zone eight hours before kick-off, automatically call it off. Give the clubs the right to challenge it if they wish, but land them with the costs of those who travelled unnecessarily if the game doesn’t make it.

Quoted from Poojah

I think Southend did what football clubs do; they held out as long as they could in the hope that the game could go ahead, regardless of how unlikely it looked. Taking the Friday night out of the equation, the circumstances aren’t that different to the Boreham Wood game at home in December, which was postponed about 3 hours before kick-off because bits of the stadium had flown off.

Perhaps this needs to be taken out of clubs’ hands. If a ground remains forecast to be in a yellow or red warning zone eight hours before kick-off, automatically call it off. Give the clubs the right to challenge it if they wish, but land them with the costs of those who travelled unnecessarily if the game doesn’t make it.

There is absolutely no way the staging of a game should even be debated when there is a red weather warning in place.

Yes the Boreham Wood incident at our place is similar but the difference there is that it wasn't in the midst of government advice not to travel.

Red warnings are so rarely issued that any well attended event like a match should be cancelled. It’s amber in Grimsby today and that’s bad enough. I’ve played golf in yellow wind warnings and scored quite well (I’m excrement) so not sure it’s necessary in those conditions for an automatic cancellation.

You have to wonder what the point in safety advisory groups are given today’s events. The local council H&S people should have been able to declare today’s postponement and saved everyone making a decision to travel.

Quoted from Bristol Mariner

Bollox with respect this is a one off, not every week.

Good to see some dogs have still got teeth

Quoted from LH

Red warnings are so rarely issued that any well attended event like a match should be cancelled. It’s amber in Grimsby today and that’s bad enough. I’ve played golf in yellow wind warnings and scored quite well (I’m excrement) so not sure it’s necessary in those conditions for an automatic cancellation.

You have to wonder what the point in safety advisory groups are given today’s events. The local council H&S people should have been able to declare today’s postponement and saved everyone making a decision to travel.

True, and I sort of agree with this and Ska’s sentiment. But people are capable of reading/hearing/seeing all the weather warnings and reports and decided it was a bad idea to travel. No one had a gun pointed to their head.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

True, and I sort of agree with this and Ska’s sentiment. But people are capable of reading/hearing/seeing all the weather warnings and reports and decided it was a bad idea to travel. No one had a gun pointed to their head.

It’s a fair point and I’ve read a lot of social media today and I’ve drawn the conclusion that many Town fans are sheep. If the game hasn’t been called off, they’ll travel. Brave? stupid? Loyal? Call it what you will.

The more I think about this the more I’m split.

Nobody makes anyone go to a football match, nobody made those town fans start that journey with a significant risk to the game being played…

On the other hand, footballing authorities continue to show their contempt for the fans; everyone knows that football fans are committed, loyal and to some extent fuckinf stupid and will travel all over for their team. Lots of reasons why, we all know them, no need to go over that.

So I guess, if the authorities didn’t hold fans in such contempt then they would recognise this and intervene sooner. Be proactive rather than just sitting back and letting something happen…

We all know football clubs will fanny around regarding games being put on in adverse weather conditions. As a supporter I understand that and so always make my own decisions and having looked at what was going on it was so obvious it wasn’t going to be on. If you traveled you were taking a massive risk so you can’t really grumble that it was cancelled with the facts given by the weather forecasters.

Quoted from GYinScuntland

Currently (3pm) sat in pub outside Fenchurch St station.
All trains from here and Liverpool Street suspended at the moment with no idea if and when running.
Long 5 hour trip from Doncaster too due to slow running 50mph maximum and debris on line.
Hope I make Southend, it's where my bloody hotel is.

So Glyn, what did you end up doing for the evening?

Quoted from KingstonMariner

True, and I sort of agree with this and Ska’s sentiment. But people are capable of reading/hearing/seeing all the weather warnings and reports and decided it was a bad idea to travel. No one had a gun pointed to their head.

Exactly this^^

We travelled, got as far as Peterborough services. It was our doing so no complaints. I don’t blame Southend FC as I am sure they would have played if the Stadium had been safe. If your whining about it being off then don’t bother going to away games as this is all part of football. You win some you lose some, get on with it. 8)
UTMM

This just shows how stupid football fans are. To travel down there, ignoring all the weather warnings is first class stupity. To then blame the clubs is incomprehensible. Take responsibility for your actions.

Quoted from Les Brechin

So Glyn, what did you end up doing for the evening?

Met a couple of the lads, and sat in  pub outside Fenchurch St moaning and whinging before finally accepting no chance of getting to our hotel in Southend.
Booked one in Paddington, few pubs and a curry with mates.
One went to West Ham v Newcastle today, I had a mooch along the Regents canal then a beer so not a complete loss.
A full refund on all train fares due to delays and cancellations plus the hotel in Southend have offered me a freebie for the rearranged fixture even though they didn't have to.

Quoted from GYinScuntland

Met a couple of the lads, and sat in  pub outside Fenchurch St moaning and whinging before finally accepting no chance of getting to our hotel in Southend.
Booked one in Paddington, few pubs and a curry with mates.
One went to West Ham v Newcastle today, I had a mooch along the Regents canal then a beer so not a complete loss.
A full refund on all train fares due to delays and cancellations plus the hotel in Southend have offered me a freebie for the rearranged fixture even though they didn't have to.

Sounds like it's turned out ok for you, excellent

Quoted from realist

This just shows how stupid football fans are. To travel down there, ignoring all the weather warnings is first class stupity. To then blame the clubs is incomprehensible. Take responsibility for your actions.

As this was posted below my post I really hope it was not directed at me! And is stupidity the word your looking for?  ;)  8)
UTMM

Why is it necessary to blame someone? To be spiteful and angry? I don’t get it. Loads of games were called off and some late or even when supporters were in the stadium. Nobody should be calling our fans, and nobody criticising Southend or the decision to call the game iff. All of these tricky and regrettable decisions are made on the grounds of safety. It’s a big responsibility for those that have to make the call.

A red weather warning by the Met Office indicates a risk to life & damage to property amongst other hazards. Southend were very wrong to wait for an incident to occur before calling the match off.They should have called the match off as soon as the red warning was issued.

The first red weather warning issued for London. Army on standby and predictions in the days leading up to it that it was potentially the worst storm for 30 years.

If that wasn't warning enough for Southend to call off the game and fans to stay at home, then I don't know what was.

Were Southend permitted to call the game off based on a weather forecast? Historically many a forecast has been incorrect but notwithstanding that should the ground have suffered no damage would the game have been postponed?

It’s my understanding that games are called off by the referee unless, as subsequently occurred their was damage to the ground which placed spectators at risk so allowing Southend to call the game off on safety grounds. Matches are not postponed on the basis that fans are in danger if they travel, whether this is right or wrong is a wider discussion but I don’t believe Southend did anything wrong.

Had the damage not occurred was the game playable? Certainly in Lincoln wind had fallen to a level that would have allowed a fixture to be played.

Quoted from GYinScuntland

Met a couple of the lads, and sat in  pub outside Fenchurch St moaning and whinging before finally accepting no chance of getting to our hotel in Southend.
Booked one in Paddington, few pubs and a curry with mates.
One went to West Ham v Newcastle today, I had a mooch along the Regents canal then a beer so not a complete loss.
A full refund on all train fares due to delays and cancellations plus the hotel in Southend have offered me a freebie for the rearranged fixture even though they didn't have to.

Not a bad result for you then.  :)

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Were Southend permitted to call the game off based on a weather forecast? Historically many a forecast has been incorrect but notwithstanding that should the ground have suffered no damage would the game have been postponed?

It’s my understanding that games are called off by the referee unless, as subsequently occurred their was damage to the ground which placed spectators at risk so allowing Southend to call the game off on safety grounds. Matches are not postponed on the basis that fans are in danger if they travel, whether this is right or wrong is a wider discussion but I don’t believe Southend did anything wrong.

Had the damage not occurred was the game playable? Certainly in Lincoln wind had fallen to a level that would have allowed a fixture to be played.

Good points. Regarding the last one though, this was the first storm for a while where it was worse down south.

Quoted from Lincoln Mariner 56

Were Southend permitted to call the game off based on a weather forecast? Historically many a forecast has been incorrect but notwithstanding that should the ground have suffered no damage would the game have been postponed?

It’s my understanding that games are called off by the referee unless, as subsequently occurred their was damage to the ground which placed spectators at risk so allowing Southend to call the game off on safety grounds. Matches are not postponed on the basis that fans are in danger if they travel, whether this is right or wrong is a wider discussion but I don’t believe Southend did anything wrong.

Had the damage not occurred was the game playable? Certainly in Lincoln wind had fallen to a level that would have allowed a fixture to be played.

This post from a relative of a Southend player may explain:

the ref only makes a decision about the pitch which was very playable. I've heard that the club had to send pics of the ground damage to the league then wait for them to make a devision . This is the process. This was done as soon as the damage was known about and practically possible. They didn't come back to the club until just before the news was broken publicly. Not sufc 's fault but obviously very frustrating for all involved including the ref and Grimsby players and fans as well as our players and fans and staff

I really don’t understand the animosity to Southend. I’m failing to see what they’ve done wrong. So had the damage been caused at 7pm because of excrement weather would it have been any different. Nobody makes football fans go and calling a game off because of some excitable news and weather reports would see swathes of games off regularly.

If people are desperate to blame anyone, possibly blame the leagues for not just growing a pair and saying ‘nope, no games’.

I really don’t get the vitriol towards the club, ironically, the people I’ve seen getting really upset about it weren’t even going…

I was supposed to be playing golf near Epsom on Friday afternoon but they announced the decision to  to close the course before close of play Thursday.
Not a matter of blame, but it was pretty obvious they should have pulled the plug before anyone left home. Whoever was making the decisions needs to have a good look at the criteria they use, because fans are clearly not high on the list

Quoted from aldi_01

I really don’t understand the animosity to Southend. I’m failing to see what they’ve done wrong. So had the damage been caused at 7pm because of excrement weather would it have been any different. Nobody makes football fans go and calling a game off because of some excitable news and weather reports would see swathes of games off regularly.

If people are desperate to blame anyone, possibly blame the leagues for not just growing a pair and saying ‘nope, no games’.

I really don’t get the vitriol towards the club, ironically, the people I’ve seen getting really upset about it weren’t even going…

I don't think it's Southend's fault. I doubt the league let you postpone a game because of a forecast, there would have to be a safety reason why it can't happen. And that's the stupidity of it. When a red weather warning is in place within 5 hours of the match, it should never go ahead. Teams may have to travel through it and some fans will be stupid enough. And yes, stupid is the correct word when you're being warned that there is a danger to life.

Southend have followed the stupid rules, hard to blame them for it.

Quoted from pen penfras

I don't think it's Southend's fault. I doubt the league let you postpone a game because of a forecast, there would have to be a safety reason why it can't happen. And that's the stupidity of it. When a red weather warning is in place within 5 hours of the match, it should never go ahead. Teams may have to travel through it and some fans will be stupid enough. And yes, stupid is the correct word when you're being warned that there is a danger to life.

Southend have followed the stupid rules, hard to blame them for it.

Red weather warnings are rare, prior to these one was issued in 2021 and the one before that in 2018. I had three tickets and decided not to travel. The team should not be expected to either but clearly had no choice and I’m not about to call other fans stupid who also traveled. The National League should look at their part in this and perhaps the club should make the point to them that if this situation occurs again then the game should be called off because I don’t believe the National League are capable of learning from such mistakes by themselves!

Says it all really....

"Grimsby Town coach Ben Davies labelled the conditions at Southend as 'the worst he'd ever seen' and revealed an object from a hotel smashed through the team bus."

https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/grimsby-town-bus-damaged-storm-6702659