Shrimpers must wait for debuts

By Jon Couch

SOUTHEND United’s two new signings will have to wait for Saturday’s clash at Oldham Athletic to make their debuts after the Shrimpers’ National League trip to AFC Fylde was postponed late yesterday morning.

Kevin Maher’s travelling squad were forced to turn back home to Essex after their train on route to Mill Farm suffered a power failure.

Uncertainty over the arrival time of the “evacuation train” prompted the postponement with Southend commenting: “We apologise to our supporters for the inconvenience caused. For those who are already in Fylde, we have put some money behind the supporters’ bar at the stadium – please have a beer on us.”

Indeed, those who had already endured the 280-mile trip up to Lancashire were pretty well watered as AFC Fylde too offered them their first drink free of charge.

Shrimpers boss Maher was hoping to introduce his two deadline day signings at Mill Farm, while a pair of fans’ favourites left the club in a busy week of ins and outs at Roots Hall.

CHIEF: Kevin Maher

But leaving through the exit was popular striker Harry Cardwell – Southend’s top scorer with 18 goals last season – who joined National League rivals Forest Green Rovers, and long-standing defender Jason Demetriou who, after months of talks with the club surrounding his future, has now opted to move on after eight years at Roots Hall.

AFC Fylde, meanwhile, were ready to hand Jamaican international Tyler Roberts his debut after he joined on a five-month loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Coasters also revealed yesterday that they have rejected a significant six-figure bid from an EFL club for midfielder Taelor O’Kane, 19.

Director of Football Alex Hughes said: “Taelor remains central to our future plans.”