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Matt Badcock: Honouring the great pioneers

It’s just over 120 years since Southend United were formed at a meeting in the Blue Boar Public House. This coming Saturday, when the modern-day Shrimpers take on Barrow, those very beginnings will be celebrated at Pioneers Day.

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
20 September 2026

HISTORY MAKERS: Southend United’s Pioneers are to be remembered this week
PICTURE: SUEPA

It's just over 120 years since Southend United were formed at a meeting in the Blue Boar Public House.
Then, on September 1, 1906, they played Swindon Town in a Southern League Division Two fixture.
This coming Saturday, when the modern-day Shrimpers take on Barrow, those very beginnings will be celebrated at Pioneers Day.
Organised by the Southend United Ex-Players Association (SUEPA), who are part of the Shrimpers Trust, it will bring together 40 relatives from 14 of the 20 Pioneer Families, with si...

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