Altrincham v Southend United: right then, let’s get going
The Shrimpers begin the season at Altrincham on Saturday. A new manager, a few new faces and the usual opening-day nerves. I’m looking forward to this one.
Here we go again. By Saturday morning, most of us will have picked a team, changed it twice and convinced ourselves this could be our season. Then the football starts and we find out a bit more.
I’m interested to see what Dyer does with this Southend side. Last season gave us an FA Trophy win, sixth place and 81 points, so he isn’t taking over a team that needs everything ripping up. But the defeat at Scunthorpe ended our promotion hopes. That is where we still need to improve.
We know this won’t be easy
Altrincham finished 13th last season. Look at that on its own and you might fancy a fairly comfortable start. Look at their home record and you soon change your mind.
They won 13 league games at The J.Davidson Stadium, out of 17 wins in total. We were one of the sides beaten there. The results below are a useful reminder of how different this fixture can be depending on where it’s played.
Neil Gibson now has his first full season in charge and a summer to work with his players. I’d expect his side to be ready for us, rather than still figuring out what they want to do.
Southend’s 2025/26 results and statistics in the Football Hub
Who should we be watching?
Jimmy Knowles would be my first choice. He was Altrincham’s leading scorer last season and scored the winner against Manchester United Under-21s in their final friendly. He’s a player I’d rather see kept quiet than given a couple of chances to find his range.
Aidan Barlow is another to watch. He’s arrived from Rochdale and was on the scoresheet in the 3–1 friendly win over Tranmere. Alongside him, Sam Taylor and the experienced Kristian Dennis give Gibson options in attack.
There have been important departures too. Isaac Marriott and Olly Crankshaw have gone to Barrow, while Ethan Ross has left in goal. Owen Evans comes in from Barnet to replace him. Tom Crawford remains captain, and Liam Humbles and Jack Hinchy have returned permanently after previous loan spells.
One concern for the hosts is Charlie Olson, who was stretchered off against United’s youngsters. His availability needs checking; I wouldn’t guess at the injury from that alone.
What I want to see from Southend
I want us to give Altrincham something to worry about. They conceded 65 league goals last season, so there is no reason to turn up thinking we have to spend the afternoon defending.
That means getting players close enough to the striker to help him. There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing a forward hold the ball up, look around for support and find everyone still 30 yards away. Whoever Dyer picks, we need runners arriving and somebody offering a pass.
I’m also interested in how we use the wide areas. If their full-backs push forward, there may be room to attack behind them. We have to spot it and move the ball quickly enough to use it, rather than let them get back into position.
And when Altrincham have a spell on top, as they probably will, we need to keep our heads. Opening day gets everyone excited. It doesn’t mean every attack needs to end with a rushed shot or every loose ball needs a desperate challenge.
The Shrimpers-online verdict
I’d like to come away from this feeling we’ve gone there to win it. That doesn’t mean throwing everyone forward. It means making positive choices with the ball and being willing to change something if we aren’t creating enough.
There will be a lot of attention on Dyer’s first team selection, but I wouldn’t judge every decision after one afternoon. Some combinations will take time. What I do want straight away is effort, support for the player on the ball and a side that keeps trying to play when things get awkward.
We’ve waited all summer for this. Now let’s give ourselves something to enjoy on the way home.
Altrincham 1–2 Southend United
I don’t think we’ll have it all our own way, but I’m backing us to edge it. Altrincham are strong enough at home to make a draw tempting. Still, it’s opening day and I fancy Southend to find the extra goal.
