The Southend United Ex-Players Association has announced a new book chronicling the history of the club, providing fans with a detailed look at the early years of the team in Southend-on-Sea. The publication, titled The Southend United Pioneers, is expected to be released in July 2026.
The book focuses on the club’s founding players from 1906, when the club was founded at the Blue Boar Hotel. It highlights stories of these early players who came from diverse backgrounds, including roles as fishermen, soldiers, miners, and butchers. These men were known for their strong desire to play professional football, despite the modest wages available at the time, which were often little more than £2 a week.
All profits from the sale of the book will be directed to the Shrimpers Trust, where they will be held in a dedicated fund. The long-term objective of this initiative is to provide financial support for the creation of a future club museum at Roots Hall Stadium, helping to preserve the club’s 120-year history for local supporters and future generations.
The association, which currently includes hundreds of former players and coaching staff, continues its efforts to connect the club’s past with its present. Southend United is currently competing in the National League under manager Kevin Maher and finished the 2025-2026 season in a play-off place, losing their qualifying match against Scunthorpe United. The club also reached the FA Trophy final, which will be played on 17 May 2026 against Wealdstone.
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