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# The Shrimpers-online: The Shrimpers-online is an independent Southend United news publication delivering original news, match reports, transfer updates, live match coverage, historical features and supporter-focused journalism. Established in 2004 and relaunched in 2026, The Shrimpers-online provides accurate, timely and engaging coverage of Southend United for supporters around the world.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Altrincham v Southend United: The New Season Starts Here](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/altrincham-v-southend-united-the-new-season-starts-here/): After a summer of transfers, friendlies, fixture lists, predictions and the usual hopes about what the next nine months might bring, competitive football is finally back.
- [Southend United Fixtures 2026/27: Opening Day, Christmas and Key Dates](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-united-fixtures-2026-27-key-dates/): Southend United begin the 2026/27 National League season at Altrincham before hosting Scunthorpe United. We examine the opening fixtures, Hornchurch derbies, Christmas schedule and final games.
- [Collin Andeng-Ndi Leaves Southend United For Peterborough United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/collin-andeng-ndi-leaves-southend-united-for-peterborough-united/): For Southend United, Collin Andeng-Ndi will forever be remembered as the goalkeeper who stood tall beneath the Wembley arch and helped deliver the club's first major trophy in two decades.
- [Southend United Midfield Signings](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-midfield-reshuffle-oldaker-hartigan-appiah-forson/): The Shrimpers-online Southend Reshape Midfield As Appiah-Forson Departs And Promotion-Winning Pair Arrive Southend United have begun to reshape their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Keenan Appiah-Forson departing for Oldham Athletic while Darren Oldaker and Anthony Hartigan arrive at Roots Hall. A major midfield reshuffle Southend United have begun to reshape their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Keenan Appiah-Forson departing for Oldham Athletic while Darren Oldaker and Anthony Hartigan arrive at Roots Hall. The trio of moves represent some of the most significant business completed since Kieron Dyer was appointed Head Coach and offer the clearest indication yet of the direction the club intends to take this summer. Departed Keenan Appiah-Forson has joined Oldham Athletic. Arrived Darren Oldaker has joined from Swindon Town. Arrived Anthony Hartigan has joined following his Barnet departure. Appiah-Forson moves on After weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future, midfielder Keenan Appiah-Forson has joined League Two side Oldham Athletic on a two-year contract following the expiry of his Southend United deal. The 24-year-old arrived at Roots Hall in August 2024 after leaving West Ham United and quickly established himself as a key member of Kevin Maher's squad. During his time with the Shrimpers, Appiah-Forson made more than 90 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals, including an important strike against Horsham during Southend's successful FA Trophy campaign. A product of West Ham's academy, Appiah-Forson joined the Hammers at the age of 14 and progressed through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in the UEFA Europa League against Dinamo Zagreb in December 2021. Following a loan spell with Dagenham & Redbridge during the 2023/24 season, he moved permanently to Southend and quickly became a popular figure among supporters thanks to his energy, work rate and ability to drive forward from midfield. Southend had hoped to retain the midfielder, but Appiah-Forson has chosen to continue his career in the Football League with the newly promoted Latics. His departure leaves a sizeable gap in the centre of the park, but Southend have moved quickly to strengthen. Oldaker returns to work with Dyer The first arrival is Darren Oldaker, who joins Southend from League Two side Swindon Town for an undisclosed fee. The 27-year-old defensive midfielder reunites with Kieron Dyer after the pair worked together at Chesterfield, where Oldaker captained the Spireites to the National League title in 2023/24. Oldaker's football journey has been anything but straightforward. After beginning his career with Gillingham, he spent time in non-league football with Hythe Town, Welling United, Billericay Town and Dorking Wanderers before establishing himself as one of the National League's most effective midfielders. His performances at Dorking earned a move to Chesterfield, where he became a central figure in one of the strongest teams in the division. Following promotion, he spent last season in League Two with Swindon Town, making 40 appearances across all competitions. “I’m delighted to be here. This is a big club with huge ambitions, and I want to be a part of it.” Oldaker told the official club website, SouthendUnited.co.uk, that he is excited to be part of the project under Dyer. Hartigan adds quality and leadership Joining Oldaker at Roots Hall is Anthony Hartigan, who arrives following the expiry of his contract at Barnet. Hartigan brings significant EFL experience and arrives after captaining the Bees to the National League title before helping them compete in League Two last season. The midfielder came through the academy at AFC Wimbledon and made more than 150 senior appearances for the Dons before later representing Newport County, Mansfield Town and Barnet. His spell with Barnet proved particularly successful. After initially joining on loan, Hartigan became one of the National League's standout midfielders, earning Players' Player of the Season, Manager's Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season and Goal of the Season honours during the 2023/24 campaign. He was also named in the National League Team of the Season in consecutive years. “I’m really pleased and excited to be here. Having played against Southend in the past, it’s a massive club. The conversations I had with the gaffer and Olly were really exciting, and I knew this was the place to be to continue playing my football.” Hartigan told SouthendUnited.co.uk that conversations with Kieron Dyer and Oliver Gage helped convince him that Roots Hall was the right place for the next stage of his career. Dyer delivers a statement of intent For Kieron Dyer, the arrivals of Oldaker and Hartigan represent more than simple squad additions. Both players know what it takes to win promotion from the National League and both arrive with recent Football League experience. “Both have had promotions from the National League, both are capable of playing to a really high standard in League Two, and probably would be one of the best pairs in that league, so to get them in and joining the project is a massive coup.” “One of the first things I talked about is setting a culture, and they will be massive to that. They know what it takes and they’ll lead by example and help our less experienced players in the squad.” “I’m really happy with the transfers and, along with Josh, it’s only the start but it’s fantastic and shows we mean business.” Those comments perhaps reveal the most important part of Southend's summer strategy. Dyer is not simply looking for talented footballers. He is targeting players with leadership qualities, promotion experience and strong character. The bigger picture The departure of Keenan Appiah-Forson will undoubtedly disappoint many Southend supporters. However, the arrivals of Darren Oldaker and Anthony Hartigan immediately strengthen a midfield that will be expected to play a major role in Southend's push for promotion. Combined with the earlier signing of Josh Popoola, these moves suggest Southend's summer rebuild is beginning to gather momentum. And if Dyer's final comment is anything to go by, there may be plenty more business still to come before the National League season gets underway. Related reading Follow every arrival, departure and rumour on our Southend United Transfer Tracker. You can also view the current squad picture on our Southend United 2026/27 Squad page. Support The Shrimpers-online
- [Mystery Assistant: Why Southend Fans Are Talking About An Ipswich Link](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/mystery-assistant-why-southend-fans-are-talking-about-an-ipswich-link/): The Shrimpers-online Who Will Join Kieron Dyer's Backroom Team? Southend United supporters are continuing to speculate over who could join Kieron Dyer's coaching staff after the new Head Coach suggested his assistant could not yet be announced. A summer question still waiting for an answer Southend United have already begun a new chapter under Kieron Dyer, but one important question remains unanswered: who will form part of his senior coaching team at Roots Hall? When Dyer spoke after his appointment, one of the more intriguing points was that he was not yet able to name his assistant. That detail has naturally led supporters to wonder whether the person in question is still tied to another club. No name has been confirmed by Southend United, and there has been no official announcement linking any specific coach with the role. Even so, the situation has created plenty of discussion among fans during what is already shaping up to be a busy summer. Why Ipswich Town are being mentioned One theory that has caught the attention of some supporters centres around Ipswich Town. Dyer's connection with Ipswich is well known. He came through at Portman Road as a player, later returned to the club, and has also worked there in a coaching capacity. Those links mean it is no surprise that fans have looked towards Ipswich when trying to work out who his assistant might be. Recent movement around Ipswich's coaching setup has only added to the speculation. With changes taking place there, some supporters have wondered whether someone connected to the club could eventually make the move to Southend. Important: this remains supporter speculation at this stage. Southend United have not confirmed that Dyer's assistant will come from Ipswich, and no individual has been officially named. Other possibilities remain open While the Ipswich connection is understandable, it is not the only possible explanation. Dyer has built relationships across the game during his playing and coaching career. His time with Ipswich, Chesterfield and other football environments means the eventual appointment could come from several different routes. It could be someone currently employed by another club, someone whose departure has not yet been finalised, or simply a coach whose appointment requires further paperwork before Southend can make anything public. What we know so far Officially Confirmed Kieron Dyer has indicated that his assistant cannot yet be named. Officially Confirmed Southend United have not officially announced the full backroom team. Supporter Speculation Some supporters believe the assistant could have an Ipswich connection. Currently Unknown No specific name has been confirmed by the club. Why the appointment matters This is not just a minor backroom detail. Dyer is taking over a Southend squad that needs rebuilding, with a number of departures already confirmed and several key contract situations still unresolved. The right assistant could play a major role in recruitment, training standards, match preparation and helping Dyer settle quickly into the demands of National League management. With pre-season approaching, supporters will be keen to see the coaching structure finalised as soon as possible. For now, the mystery continues Until Southend United make an official announcement, the identity of Kieron Dyer's assistant remains one of the more interesting unanswered questions of the summer. The Ipswich link makes sense on paper because of Dyer's history with the club, but at this stage it should be treated as a talking point rather than a confirmed development. What is clear is that Dyer will want trusted people around him as he begins the task of building a squad capable of challenging near the top end of the National League. Related reading Follow all the latest squad updates on our Southend United Transfer Tracker. You can also view the latest squad picture on our Southend United 2026/27 Squad page. Support The Shrimpers-online
- [Kieron Dyer Appointed Southend United Head Coach](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/kieron-dyer-appointed-southend-united-head-coach/): — Kieron Dyer
- [Farewell to a Legend: Kevin Maher’s Southend Story](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/farewell-to-a-legend-kevin-mahers-southend-story/): Southend United have announced the departure of head coach Kevin Maher, along with his long-term assistants Darren Currie and Mark Bentley, following a post-season review. The news came on 19 May 2026, just two days after the Shrimpers lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley.
- [Wembley Glory for the Shrimpers](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/wembley-glory-for-the-shrimpers/): Southend United lifted the Isuzu FA Trophy under the arch at Wembley after a tense, goalless final that was ultimately decided from the spot. In front of more than 22,000 travelling Shrimpers, Gus Scott‑Morriss smashed home the decisive penalty, but it was Collin Andeng‑Ndi who stole the afternoon with two superb saves in the shoot‑out.
- [Southend United FA Trophy Final Preview 2026](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/the-complete-wembley-preview-southend-united-2026/): After the absolute heartbreak of last year’s play-off final at Wembley, we’re heading back to the national stadium this Sunday – and this time it’s for the Isuzu FA Trophy Final against our National League rivals Wealdstone.
- [Scunthorpe United 1-0 Southend United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/scunthorpe-united-1-0-southend-united/): Promotion dreams extinguished.
- [Southend United 2–1 Wealdstone](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-united-2-1-wealdstone/): Southend United wrapped up the regular season with a composed, confident 2–1 win over Wealdstone at Roots Hall — a result that confirmed sixth place and set up a Play-Off Eliminator away at Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night.
- [Hartlepool United 4–3 Southend United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/hartlepool-united-4-3-southend-united/): Southend arrived at Victoria Park unbeaten in eight and looking to carry momentum into the play-offs. Inside 25 seconds, they were in front. Gus Scott-Morriss delivered from the right, Hayes flapped, defenders panicked, and Andrew Dallas bundled the ball over the line for his 17th of the season. A scruffy, ugly, beautiful goal — and the away end erupted.
- [Match Preview: Hartlepool United vs Southend United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/match-preview-hartlepool-united-vs-southend-united/): Tuesday 21st April, 19:45)
- [Southend United 4–0 Newcastle United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-united-4-0-newcastle-united/): New Year’s Day usually brings sore heads, empty wallets, and the promise that this year will be different. In 1992, for Southend United, it really was.
- [Halifax Town 2–6 Southend United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/halifax-town-2-6-southend-united/): Southend United rocked up to The Shay and delivered an absolute masterclass — six goals, total control, and a travelling support that never stopped singing. If the midweek win at Aldershot secured our play‑off place, this one announced that we’re arriving there with swagger.
- [Match Preview: Halifax Town vs Southend United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/match-preview-halifax-town-vs-southend-united/): So here we are — play‑offs secured, three games left, and suddenly the pressure feels very different. Tuesday night at Aldershot was the moment the Shrimpers finally slammed the door shut on the chasing pack. A 0–2 win, a clean sheet, Gus Scott‑Morriss thundering in his 16th of the season, Charley Kendall nicking a second before the break… job done. Eight points clear of Halifax with only six left to play for. Maher called it “seeing the game out,” but really it was Southend doing what good sides do in April: getting over the line.
- [Aldershot Town 0–2 Southend United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/aldershot-town-0-2-southend-united/): Some wins just feel big. This one did. In a crucial Aldershot Town vs Southend United clash, The Shrimpers delivered a calm, confident and complete performance.
- [Match Preview: Aldershot Town vs Southend United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/match-preview-aldershot-town-vs-southend-united/): Here we go again. Another big away day, another night where Southend United’s season edges closer to its tipping point.
- [Southend United 0–0 Solihull Moors](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-united-0-0-solihull-moors/): Sometimes a 0–0 tells you everything about a game. This one was all graft, nerves, and two goalkeepers refusing to blink. Southend couldn’t quite find the moment to break Solihull down, but with the play‑off cushion still healthy, Roots Hall left frustrated rather than panicked.
- [Southend United 3–2 Braintree Town](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-united-3-2-braintree-town/): Roots Hall doesn’t do quiet afternoons. What looked like a comfortable Good Friday cruise turned into a late panic, but Southend United held on to beat Braintree Town 3–2 and strengthen our grip on the play-off places.
- [Match Report: Altrincham 1–0 Southend United](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/match-report-altrincham-1-0-southend-united/): Southend United’s unbeaten March came to a halt with a narrow 1–0 defeat away at Altrincham. Despite entering the game on the back of impressive wins over Forest Green and Rochdale, The Shrimpers were unable to maintain their momentum, falling to a 14th-minute strike from Liam Humbles.
- [Match Report: Southend United 3–2 Rochdale](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/match-report-southend-united-3-2-rochdale/): Southend United delivered one of their most impressive first-half performances of the season to topple league-leaders Rochdale and haul themselves back into the play-off places. Three goals inside half an hour — from Andrew Dallas, James Golding and Tom Hopper — set the tone for a breathless evening in which The Shrimpers showed both quality and resilience to claim a deserved 3–2 victory.

## Pages
- [The National League Table](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/the-national-league-table/): View the latest standings, with Southend United highlighted and promotion, play-off and relegation positions clearly marked.
- [1. flight track test](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/1-flight-track-test/): Southend Airport Live
- [Match Centre](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/a-nl-page-test__trashed/match/): View the score, venue, officials, events and available statistics for the selected fixture.
- [Clubs](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/a-nl-page-test__trashed/clubs/): Choose a club to view its league record, form, upcoming fixtures, recent results and venue information.
- [Statistics](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/a-nl-page-test__trashed/statistics/): Explore scorers, assists, discipline, recent form and team performance across the division.
- [Live Centre](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/a-nl-page-test__trashed/live/): Follow live and upcoming National League matches, then open an individual match page for events and statistics.
- [League Table](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/a-nl-page-test__trashed/table/): View the latest standings, with Southend United highlighted and promotion, play-off and relegation positions clearly marked.
- [Results](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/a-nl-page-test__trashed/results/): Catch up with the latest scores and completed matches from across the National League.
- [Fixtures](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/a-nl-page-test__trashed/fixtures/): Only the next National League round is shown. Matches progress through live, half-time and full-time, then move to Results before the following round appears.
- [Shrimpie Styles](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-shrimpie-styles/): Coming soon. This section will open automatically when the launch time is reached.
- [The National League](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/national-league/): Follow every twist and turn of the National League season with The Shrimpers-online. The hub brings together automatically updated fixtures, results and the league table from across the division.
- [Shrimp Shot](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-shrimp-shot/): Register or sign in to play Shrimp Shot.
- [Clubhouse Matchday Hub](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-matchday-hub/): The supporter conversation before, during and after every Southend United match.
- [Southend United Forum & Community](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-conversations/): The home of the Southend United community, built around the stories, matches and moments supporters are already following.
- [Clubhouse Data and Account Deletion](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-data-deletion/): How to request deletion of your Clubhouse account and associated personal data.
- [Clubhouse Community Standards](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-community-standards/): The kind of football community we are building together.
- [The Shrimpers-online Clubhouse Rules](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-rules/): A friendly, fair and welcoming Clubhouse for home and away supporters.
- [Verify Your Clubhouse Email](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-verify-email/): Enter the six-digit code we sent to your email address.
- [The Shrimpers-online Arcade](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-arcade/): Coming soon. This section will open automatically when the launch time is reached.
- [Clubhouse Leaderboards](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-leaderboards/): The latest National League Challenge and Games rankings from Clubhouse members.
- [My Clubhouse Profile](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-profile/): Sign in to edit your Clubhouse profile.
- [My Clubhouse](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/my-clubhouse/): Sign in to open My Clubhouse.
- [Clubhouse Sign In](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-sign-in/): Access your predictions, game scores, profile and Clubhouse features.
- [Join The Shrimpers-online Clubhouse](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/clubhouse-register/): Create one free account for conversations, the National League Challenge, Games, leaderboards and Clubhouse features.
- [The Shrimpers-online Clubhouse](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/theclubhouse/): Become an Early Member and help shape the future of The Shrimpers-online.
- [Southend United Player Archive](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-united-player-archive/)
- [Southend United Player Archive](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-united-players/)
- [Southend Live Airport](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-live-airport/): Live London Southend Airport departures and arrivals, current flight status, airport links and trains from the terminal station.
- [Southend Live Trains](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-live-trains/): Live departure boards for stations across the c2c route to London Fenchurch Street and the Greater Anglia route to London Liverpool Street. Matchday Travel can replace them when enabled.
- [Southend Live – Buses](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-live-buses/): Check live buses around Southend, current vehicle locations and the next departures from every stand at Southend Travel Centre. Filter by route, operator or area to find the service you need.
- [Altrincham Away Guide](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/altrincham-away-guide/): @media(max-width:768px){.tso-away-ticket-panel{padding:8px;border-radius:18px}.tso-guide-wrap{width:calc(100% + 20px);margin:-35px -10px -50px;padding:24px 0 65px}.tso-guide-wrap>*{width:calc(100% - 20px)}.tso-guide-wrap .tso-away-hero{padding:34px 22px 250px;min-height:0}.tso-guide-wrap .tso-away-hero:before{font-size:62px}.tso-guide-wrap .tso-away-hero-mascot{width:245px;max-width:92%;right:8px;bottom:-10px}.tso-guide-card,.tso-fixture-card{padding:22px!important}}
- [National League Challenge](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/prediction-league/): Predict every National League fixture. Beat the community. Beat Shrimpie.
- [Away Fans Guide](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/away-fans-guide/): @media(max-width:768px){.tso-away-ticket-panel{padding:8px;border-radius:18px}.tso-guide-wrap{width:calc(100% + 20px);margin:-35px -10px -50px;padding:24px 0 65px}.tso-guide-wrap>*{width:calc(100% - 20px)}.tso-guide-wrap .tso-away-hero{padding:34px 22px 250px;min-height:0}.tso-guide-wrap .tso-away-hero:before{font-size:62px}.tso-guide-wrap .tso-away-hero-mascot{width:245px;max-width:92%;right:8px;bottom:-10px}.tso-guide-card,.tso-fixture-card{padding:22px!important}}
- [Southend Live](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-live/): Southend Live is a free community information service from The Shrimpers-online. It brings useful travel, weather and coastal information together in one place for residents and visitors.
- [Contact The Shrimpers-online](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/contact-the-shrimpers-online/): /* HERO */
- [Aldershot](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/aldershot-away-guide/): Away guide not found.
- [AFC Fylde](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/afc-fylde-away-guide/): @media(max-width:768px){.tso-away-ticket-panel{padding:8px;border-radius:18px}.tso-guide-wrap{width:calc(100% + 20px);margin:-35px -10px -50px;padding:24px 0 65px}.tso-guide-wrap>*{width:calc(100% - 20px)}.tso-guide-wrap .tso-away-hero{padding:34px 22px 250px;min-height:0}.tso-guide-wrap .tso-away-hero:before{font-size:62px}.tso-guide-wrap .tso-away-hero-mascot{width:245px;max-width:92%;right:8px;bottom:-10px}.tso-guide-card,.tso-fixture-card{padding:22px!important}}
- [Lewys Twamley](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/lewys-twamley/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [Daniel Cox](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/daniel-cox/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [TSO Ticket Tracker](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/ticket-centre/): .tso-ticket-guide * { box-sizing: border-box; }
- [Darren Oldaker](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/darren-oldaker/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [Anthony Hartigan](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/anthony-hartigan/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [Southend United Decades : The 1920’s](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/southend-united-decades-the-1920s/): ```html
- [Josh Popoola](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/josh-popoola/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [Slavi Spasov](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/slavi-spasov/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [Harry Cardwell](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/harry-cardwell/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [Charley Kendall](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/charley-kendall/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [Sam Austin](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/sam-austin/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [Leon Chambers-Parillon](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/leon-chambers-parillon/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile
- [Oli Coker](https://theshrimpers-online.co.uk/oli-coker/): The Shrimpers-online Player Profile