Links to headings:
Left-Sided Centre-Back suggestions
Left-Sided Central-Midfielder suggestions
Introduction
Now that Southend United’s 15-month-long transfer embargo has finally been lifted, I thought it was a good time for me to look at some potential transfer suggestions. My recruitment plan is predominantly data-based.
In the past few weeks we have acquired the services of central-midfielder James Morton and centre-back Adam Crowther, with striker Marcus Dackers signing on loan from Salford City for the remainder of the season. Henry Sandat has also returned to the club on loan from Hull City for a month, although at the time of writing this has yet to be extended. We have also been strongly linked with Rushall Olympic striker Danny Waldron.
I want to point out that not all of these suggestions are meant for right now; we don’t want to have an over-inflated squad size. However, I have identified a few gaps in our squad that I would like to see filled at some point – whether that be between now and the end of the season, or the summer. The below image represents out current squad depth, and which areas of the pitch I would like us to strengthen in:
The format of this document will be as follows. For each area of the pitch, I will explain why I believe we should recruit to this position. I will then suggest a few targets for each role, with a brief summary for each player. As this is going to be a long read, you can use the shortcuts at the top of the page to jump straight to each heading for each position.
Goalkeeper
Our current goalkeeping options are 20-year-old Collin Andeng Ndi and experienced player/coach Dave Martin, who is currently on non-contract terms. Martin – who will turn 38-years-old next week – has performed very well when called upon, but is currently injured, leaving us with just one available ‘keeper. Due to his age, he also can’t be considered a long-term option for us, and will have to be replaced at some stage.
With regards to Andeng Ndi, he has played a lot of matches for us now, especially considering his age. He is, in my opinion, one of the most promising goalkeepers in the lower leagues, and if we were to sign a first-choice #1, it would limit his game-time and slow down his progression. I also believe that he has proven himself to be a National League standard ‘keeper, and a loan move to a lower division would be below him. However, I do think that when we consider his current level, there are better goalkeepers out there; we have to remember that we were strongly linked with bringing in an experienced goalkeeper last summer.
I would like us to bring in a goalkeeper on loan to act as cover for Andeng Ndi whilst Martin is unavailable. Then in the summer I would re-assess the goalkeeping situation. If we think that Andeng Ndi isn’t quite at the level required to be a #1 for a side challenging to win the National League title – which should be the aim next season, if we don’t get promoted this season – then I think we should bring in a #1 option then. However if we’re happy to continue with Andeng Ndi as first-choice, a back-up would be required if Martin doesn’t continue playing into next season.
Nevertheless, I have identified some goalkeeping suggestions as part of this recruitment plan. A goalkeeper for this Southend United side should be confident and effective at dealing with crosses into his penalty area, able to successfully pass to his teammates during our build-up play, and obviously possess the necessary shot-stopping attributes required for a good ‘keeper. The metrics that I have used to identify these suggestions are as follows: minutes played, aerial duels won (%), accurate passes (%), accurate forward passes (%), accurate long passes (%), accurate progressive passes (%), save rate (%) and prevented goals per 90.
Goalkeeper Option 1: Elliot Justham
Dagenham & Redbridge goalkeeper Elliot Justham is a player who we were strongly linked with last summer. The 33-year-old meets all of my necessary criteria, is a good passer of the ball, experienced, local, and has previously worked with John Still – our Head of Football. However, Justham signed a new contract at Dagenham last summer, so I’m not sure if this still represents a realistic option for us.
Goalkeeper Option 2: Harrison Male
Next on my list is Harrison Male. The 23-year-old is currently at Dorking Wanderers, and represented the England ‘C’ side last year. He ranks particularly well at prevented goals per 90 and save rate (%), and also has to be very comfortable with the ball at his feet to fit into Dorking’s style.
Goalkeeper Option 3: Chris Haigh
Ebbsfleet United goalkeeper Chris Haigh is someone who I had already identified as a potential goalkeeping option for Southend. Haigh will turn 27-years-old in April, is currently on loan at Oxford City, and has previously played for Concord Rangers. He ranks well at prevented goals per 90, is capable coming off of his line, and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. He also seems to be out of favour at oxford City, so could be available. However, I feel like he has the potential to be crowded out when attempting to deal with crosses coming into his penalty area due to his size.
Goalkeeper Option 4: Wyll Stanway
Wyll Stanway is arguably the most promising young goalkeeper in the National League North and South. The 22-year-old has helped Chester keep 12 clean sheets already this season, and ranks well at save rate (%) and across the board at a range of passing metrics. He is also effective at dealing with crosses into his penalty area.
Goalkeeper Option 5: Will Henry
Chippenham Town goalkeeper Will Henry has been one of the standout ‘keepers in the National League North and South so far this season. The 25-year-old has prevented 7.85 goals compared to his expected figure, can deal with crosses coming into his penalty area, and has to be comfortable with the ball at his feet due to Chippenham’s style. Henry also ranks well at save rate (%).
Goalkeeper Option 6: Max Dearnley
Next on my list is Max Dearnley. The 25-year-old Buxton goalkeeper meets all of my criteria, and ranks well across the board at a range of metrics, as illustrated by the above data visual.
Goalkeeper Option 7: Jed Ward
My final goalkeeper suggestion is Bristol Rovers’ Jed Ward. Unlike any of the above names, the 20-year-old would purely be as a loan option. Ward had a loan spell this season at Wealdstone, where he ranked well at save rate (%), and demonstrated his ability to effectively come off of his line. More impressively, Ward showed that he is comfortable with the ball at his feet to fit into Wealdstone’s style.
Left-Sided Centre-Back
Club captain Nathan Ralph is our first-choice left-sided centre-back. Although at some point we have seen Ollie Kensdale, Louis Lomas or Brooklyn Kabongolo fill in here when Ralph has been unavailable, and I believe new signing Adam Crowther could also cover this position, none of these players possess the same qualities that Ralph does.
Despite Ralph’s size, he is very strong in the air at challenging for aerial duels, making him an effective box defender. Ralph’s mobility also helps him to cover ground quickly and defend large spaces well, which allows him to defend as a situational left-back if we press our left wing-back Jack Bridge high up the pitch to leave us with a back four – something which larger, less mobile centre-backs could potentially struggle to replicate. When we also consider that Ralph can make overlapping runs next to Bridge to support him if he is doubled-up on in the final-third, it gives him a very unique profile and important role in the side.
We do have enough depth across our back three to cover Ralph if he were to become unavailable. However, we don’t have anyone who can replicate his effectiveness in the final-third in terms of his overlapping runs and crossing ability. This has knock-on effects for how we attack down our left-side, which is particularly important as most of our attacks come from this side of the pitch. We also have to consider Ralph’s injury record throughout his time at the club, and that he’s unlikely to be able to play every match. Also, Ralph will soon turn 31-years-old, and bringing in a younger option as back-up – who can also potentially cover our left wing-back spot, too – will represent good succession planning.
To find players who are similar to Ralph, the metrics that I have used to identify suggestions for this area are as follows: minutes played, aerial duels won (%) and deep completed crosses per 90. This player also has to be left-footed, and no older than 25-years-old.
Left-Sided Centre-Back Option 1: Reece Staunton
My #1 recommendation for this role is Spennymoor Town’s Reece Staunton. The 22-year-old is six-feet tall, strong, and mobile – all key attributes that I have highlighted above. Staunton has also demonstrated his ability to play as either a left-sided centre-back in a back three, or as a left wing-back. This would not only give us depth in a couple of positions in our squad, but shows that, because he can play further forwards, he is mobile enough to be able to effectively defend large spaces. Staunton has also proven to be a good crosser of the ball, and his athleticism would allow him to be able to make those overlapping runs beyond Bridge to a good standard. Staunton is a great age, and I would love to see him signed as Ralph’s understudy.
Left-Sided Centre-Back Option 2: Jordan Norville-Williams
Jordan Norville-Williams is currently at Farnborough and will turn 24-years-old next week. He is strong enough to challenge for duels, athletic enough to consistently overlap Bridge, a good crosser of the ball, and can cover both the left-sided centre-back and left wing-back roles. Despite not being the tallest, he still ranks well at aerial duels won (%).
Left-Sided Centre-Back Option 3: Pierce Bird
Pierce Bird is someone who I had previously identified as a potential option for this left-sided centre-back role. Bird will turn 25-years-old in April, and is currently out of favour at Fylde. Although he possesses some very good physical attributes, is fairly mobile, and is comfortable on the ball, he isn’t someone who I see as athletic enough to consistently overlap Bridge in the same was that Ralph does. Also, due to his size, I think he would struggle to turn quickly enough when he’s asked to defend large spaces when Bridge pushes forwards. Bird also wouldn’t be able to cover our left wing-back spot.
Left-Sided Centre-Back Option 4: Brad Nicholson
Boston United’s Brad Nicholson is the oldest of my left-sided centre-back suggestions. He will turn 26-years-old in September. Nicholson meets all of my criteria; he’s strong at challenging for aerial duels, can carry the ball forwards well, and is a good crosser of the ball. Nicholson usually plays as a left-back for Boston, but has also played on the left-side of their back three. I don’t think that Nicholson would be able to cover our left wing-back spot as well.
Right Wing-Back
Gus Scott-Morriss is undoubtably our first-choice right wing-back. Acting as cover is 36-year-old player/coach Jason Demetriou, and 30-year-old Mauro Vilhete – who is currently on a dual-registration with Hayes & Yeading United. At the time of writing, it’s unclear whether Vilhete will be kept on until the end of the season. If he is not, then we will ideally need somebody else to come in. However, even if Vilhete does stay until the summer, I would then be looking to bring in a new back-up option to Scott-Morriss.
I think that due to Scott-Morriss’ injury record and place in the side being cemented, we can afford to go for more of a younger project player to act as cover. This right wing-back would need to possess good athleticism, considering they would be required to both defend deep in our back five and operate in the last line of attack during settled attacks – essentially playing as a situational right-winger. Due to our system requiring our wing-backs to hold the width during attacks, this player would need to have good crossing ability, and ideally would be able to take-on his marker. They would also have to be able to defend in a back four as a situational right-back if we press our left wing-back Jack Bridge high up the pitch.
The metrics that I have used to identifying suggestions for this area are as follows: minutes played, aerial duels won (%), crosses per 90, accurate crosses (%), successful dribbles (%), expected assists (xA) per 90 and shot assists per 90.
Right Wing-Back Option 1: Connor Barrett
Connor Barrett is currently at Fylde, and ranks particularly well at expected assists (xA) per 90 and shot assists per 90. He will turn 22-years-old in March, is strong enough to effectively challenge for aerial duels, and is also comfortable running with the ball at opposing defenders – which is important if he is essentially playing as a right-winger during the final-third. Although he’s currently at a smaller club in Fylde, he is playing regularly at this level, so I’m not sure whether we would be able to tempt him away considering we couldn’t guarantee him game-time in this role.
Right Wing-Back Option 2: Kian Ronan
Kian Ronan was a teammate of new signing Adam Crowther at King’s Lynn Town. Although Ronan, who will turn 23-years-old in March, doesn’t quite meet all of my criteria, he is still a good crosser of the ball and is comfortable dribbling at opposing defenders. Due to his size, he isn’t yet quite strong enough to challenge for duels to the same level as Scott-Morriss is. However, due to Scott-Morriss’ place in the squad being secure, I feel like we can afford to recruit more of a project player to this role, and Ronan possesses some good attributes that I feel would make him a good fit. I also think that a lack of game-time wouldn’t be as much of an issue for Ronan, as he would be moving up a division.
Right Wing-Back Option 3: Maxwell Statham
Maxwell Statham currently plays for Dartford, and is 23-years-old. He is a strong defender and a good crosser of the ball. However, I don’t feel that he would offer enough to us in the final-third. Statham usually plays as a right-back for Dartford, which is different to playing as a right wing-back, as there are fewer moments when he is asked to hold the width high up the pitch on the right-side. This lack of creativity is illustrated by the above data visual, where we can see that Statham only averages 0.02 expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes. However, Statham is a great age and local, so could still be an option.
Right Wing-Back Option 4: Reagan Ogle
Scunthorpe United’s Reagan Ogle will turn 25-years-old in March. He ranks well across the board at a range of metrics as illustrated by the above data visual. However he usually plays as a right-back for Scunthorpe as opposed to a wing-back, so I’m not sure he’d be able to contribute enough in the final-third. Also, due to his age he may want more assurances over first-team football – especially if Scunthorpe win promotion this season.
Right Wing-Back Option 5: Dan Moss
Dan Moss from Woking is a great age at 23-years-old, is local, and is a strong defender. However, he plays as a right-back for Woking where the moments where he has to hold the width high and wide in the final-third are fewer. Also, due to his height he doesn’t seem to have the close control necessary to take-on his marker with consistency. Due to these points, I don’t think he’d be able to contribute enough in the final-third, as illustrated by the above data visual, where he only averages 0.02 expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes.
Left-Sided Central-Midfielder
Wes Fonguck is our first-choice left-sided central-midfielder, who plays on the left-side of our midfield ‘diamond’. Although we have seen Noor Husin and new signing James Morton play here, and this may seem like we already have enough depth in this area of the pitch, I would like one more option here.
To me, both Husin and Morton seem like players who prefer to play behind the ball once we’re into the final-third. By this, I mean that they seem unwilling to forward runs beyond opposition defences, and are much more comfortable sitting on the edge of the penalty area where they can offer a passing option to help circulate possession. They seem different to Fonguck, for example, who likes to make forward runs from his left-sided #8 position beyond our left wing-back Jack Bridge, who holds the width on our left-side. This is particularly important, as it helps to drag players away from Bridge, and means he’s less likely to be doubled-up on, if Fonguck were more static. It also creates space for Bridge to cut into, onto his stronger right foot.
Morton doesn’t seem to be this type of player to me, but if he can make these forward runs beyond Bridge, it will make this section of my recruitment plan redundant. Due to his left-footedness he’ll be in prime position to cross the ball into the penalty area if he receives a through pass from Bridge. Currently, when Fonguck receives through passes after making these forward runs beyond Bridge, he often has to cross the ball with his weaker left foot, or cut back and miss the opportunity to get the ball into the penalty area.
A player in this role would need to possess the necessary physicality in order to defend in central midfield, as well as the quality in the final-third to replicate Fonguck’s effectiveness in this phase. To look for players similar to Fonguck, the metrics that I have used to identify suggestions in this area are as follows: minutes played, defensive duels won (%), shots on target (%), progressive runs per 90, accurate passes (%), shot assists per 90, accurate passes to the penalty area (%) and deep completions per 90. I also want this player to be left-footed.
Left-Sided Central-Midfielder Option 1: Toby Edser
My #1 recommendation for this role is Ebbsfleet United’s Toby Edser. Edser will turn 25-years-old in February, and is able to contribute in the final-third as well as ranking well at defensive duels won (%). The above data visual represents his numbers from last season in the National League South for Ebbsfleet, and as we can see he ranks very well at a lot of different metrics, and is a real difference-maker in the final-third. Last season, Edser scored 11 goals and contributed to four assists.
Ebbsfleet are struggling this season since winning promotion to the National League, however I think that Edser would still be almost the perfect fit for this role. His low centre of gravity gives him excellent close control, he is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces, he can make forward runs, he’s left-footed, a great age, can ‘box crash’ by making late runs into the penalty area to go unnoticed, and is an accurate shooter. Edser is also local, and plays for a smaller club in Ebbsfleet. The only possible question mark from me would be that, due to his size, he may not be the strongest during defensive duels – although he still ranks well at defensive duels won (%).
Left-Sided Central-Midfielder Option 2: Will McGowan
Will McGowan of Blyth Spartans is 21-years-old, and has scored five goals and contributed four assists so far this season. He meets all of my criteria, is a difference-maker in the final-third, is comfortable on the ball, and is left-footed. However the only thing that I would question is that, due to his height, I’m not sure how effective he’d be at challenging for duels – although he does rank well at defensive duels won (%).
Left-Sided Central-Midfielder Option 3: Anthony Mancini
Hartlepool United’s Anthony Mancini will turn 23-years-old in April, and is someone who has really impressed me when I’ve seen him play this season. He has unfortunately struggled with injuries for a lot of this season, so I’m not going to mention any data as the sample size is too small. However, he is strong enough to defend in central-midfield, is comfortable on the ball, and is capable of carrying the ball forwards well, as well as being left-footed. I’m not sure how realistic this option is considering he’s already playing at this level, but due to Hartlepool’s league position he may be able to be tempted away from the club in the summer, especially if he’s out of contract.
Centre-Forward
Top-scorer Harry Cardwell is our first-choice #9, and we have recently brought in Marcus Dackers on loan from Salford City for the remainder of the season to act as cover. This gives us good enough depth in this area for now, assuming of course that Cardwell remains here beyond the January transfer window. However, Cardwell is out of contract in the summer and Dackers’ loan is set to expire at the end of the season. Of course, Cardwell may sign a new contract and Dackers may be signed permanently in the summer, but I wanted to have a look at options in this area of the pitch, regardless.
To play as a #9 for this Southend United side, you will have to be effective at challenging for aerial duels in the event that we go long from defence. This gives your teammates (either of our #8’s or our second-striker) a chance of winning second-balls in the midfield. This #9 would also have to be a hard-worker out-of-possession and would have to be a relentless presser of the ball when opposition sides are in their first-phase of build-up. Clearly, to play as a #9 in our side also requires you to be a target for our wing-backs to aim for when they are crossing the ball into the penalty area, and you must possess the goalscoring attributes necessary to be a potential match-winner.
The thing that makes Cardwell so unique is that he is not only physical enough to be able to effectively challenge for aerial duels when we play over opposing sides, but he also possesses the necessary pace for us to play beyond defences for him to run onto to help us gain territory high up the pitch. This athleticism gives Cardwell a very unique profile, and something that is difficult to replicate.
To find similar players to Cardwell, the metrics that I have used to identify suggestions in this area are as follows: minutes played, aerial duels per 90, aerial duels won (%), non-penalty goals per 90, shots on target (%), goal conversion (%), received long passes per 90 and non-penalty expected goals (xG) per 90.
Centre-Forward Option 1: Danny Waldron
Rushall Olympic striker Danny Waldron has been strongly linked with a potential transfer to Southend United for a while now. However, when I look into the data to find a suitable #9, my methodology also identified him. Waldron is 27-years-old, and is the joint-top goalscorer in the National League North with 16 goals. As well as being a clinical finisher, he also ranks well at received long passes per 90, aerial duels per 90 and aerial duels won (%).
Similar to Cardwell, he is athletic enough to both effectively challenge for aerial duels and run beyond defences to get on the end of passes that are played over the opposition. Although I think that, if he is signed, Waldron will play off of either Cardwell or Dackers, I also think that he possesses the necessary attributes to be able to lead the line himself. From the options that I have identified, Waldron would be my #1 recommendation even if we hadn’t have already been linked with him.
Centre-Forward Option 2: Jordan Greenidge
Jordan Greenidge of Tonbridge Angels has just turned 24-years-old and has scored eight goals so far this season. He meets all of my criteria, is clinical in front of goal, would give us a target to aim for from crosses, and also possesses Cardwell’s athleticism which is necessary for us to play long passes over opponents towards him and beyond opposing defences for him to run onto. He is also a great age and is local. I think that he’s definitely someone to keep an eye on.
Centre-Forward Option 3: Joe Quigley
Joe Quigley doesn’t seem to be playing an awful lot of football at Chesterfield at the moment, and could be available for transfer – especially if Chesterfield go on to win promotion this season. Quigley hasn’t played enough football so far this season for me to mention any data, as the sample size is too small. However, the 27-year-old six-foot-four centre-forward has scored seven goals so far this season and, although he isn’t as athletic as Cardwell, would be a good target-man option for any side in this division, and is still a good age.
Centre-Forward Option 4: Rob Harker
Another player who doesn’t quite meet all of my criteria but I still like the look of is Rob Harker, who plays for Halifax Town. Harker will turn 24-years-old in March and has scored four goals so far this season in barely 1,000 minutes of football. Last season for Halifax, Harker scored eight goals, and he is tall and strong enough to be an effective target-man at this level. He is also fairly athletic for his size, although he doesn’t quite possess Cardwell’s pace. Harker is clinical in front of goal but seems to be out of favour currently at Halifax, so this could be one to keep an eye on, especially considering his age.
Centre-Forward-Option 5: Kelsey Mooney
My final centre-forward suggestion is Boston United’s Kelsey Mooney, who turns 25-years-old in February. Mooney has scored five goals so far this season, and meets all of my required criteria. He is also a great age, is very strong, and would give us a target to aim for from crosses. However the only thing that I think Mooney lacks is the pace needed for us to play long passes beyond opponents for him to run onto, and to press opposing defenders.
Second-Striker
At the top of our midfield ‘diamond’ is our second-striker or #10. Throughout the season we have used a number of players in this role, and at the time of writing we have Callum Powell – who is currently injured, loanee Henry Sandat and youngster Jack Wood. I would like one more option here, and even if we do sign Danny Waldron from Rushall Olympic (who I believe can play either here or as the #9), it may be an area of the pitch we’d look to strengthen in come the summer, as Sandat will have returned to Hull City by then and both Powell and Wood are out of contract.
To play in this role for Southend United, players should be strong enough to effectively challenge for second-balls if we have played long to our #9. They should also be able to drop deeper to help us overload the midfield, and therefore be comfortable receiving the ball and safely passing it onto teammates. This player should also be able to attempt a high volume of shots at goal, as well as possessing the necessary goalscoring attributes to be a potential match-winner to take some of the pressure away from our lone #9 to be the main goalscorer in the side.
This player could either be more of a #10 who is technically secure and very comfortable dropping deeper, or a second-striker who gives us another target to aim for from crosses into the penalty area.
The metrics that I have used to identify suggestions in this area are as follows: minutes played, non-penalty goals per 90, shots per 90, shots on target (%), goal conversion (%), offensive duels won (%), received passes per 90, passes per 90, accurate passes (%) and non penalty expected goals (xG) per 90.
Second-Striker Option 1: Paul Blackett
If we were looking to bring in a second-striker as opposed to an out-and-out #10, my #1 recommendation would be Paul Blackett from South Shields. Blackett is the joint-top goalscorer in the National League North with Danny Waldron with 16 goals, and will turn 26-years-old in February. He meets all of my criteria, is a clinical finisher, is technically secure enough to drop deeper to receive the ball from the midfield, and is strong enough to be able to effectively challenge for second-balls. He is also a great age.
Second-Striker Option 2: Charlie Ruff
However, if we wanted to bring in a proper #10 who was not only able to drop deeper to help us overload the midfield, but could also take a high volume of shots and be a potential match-winner, my #1 recommendation would be Chelmsford City’s Charlie Ruff, who is 24-years-old. Ruff has scored seven goals and contributed seven assists so far this season, and is clinical in front of goal.
Ruff usually plays as the #10 in Chelmsford’s 4-2-3-1 formation, and his low centre of gravity gives him excellent close control. Despite this, he is well-built enough to be able to challenge for duels and win second-balls. Ruff’s ‘box crashing’ ability also allows him to be able to arrive late in the penalty area to get on the end of crosses. Ruff is a great age and is playing right under our noses at Chelmsford. I would love us to sign him to give us something a bit different to what we already have.
Second-Striker Option 3: Cedric Main
Another option if we were looking for a second-striker could be 26-year-old Cedric Main. He is currently out of favour at York City, but did have a productive loan spell at Blyth Spartans where he scored seven goals. Main meets all of my criteria, is a clinical finisher and is very strong. However, I’m not sure that he is the most effective presser of the ball when opponents are in the first-phase of their build-up.
Second-Striker Option 4: Zac McEachran
My final suggestion for the second-striker role, and one that wraps up my recruitment plan, is Oxford City’s Zac McEachran. Oxford City are struggling this season, however, the 28-year-old scored 10 goals and contributed nine assists in last season’s National League South, even though he is more of a #10 than a second-striker. McEachran also meets all of my criteria, attempts a lot of shots at goal, is clinical in front of goal, is technically secure, and seems fairly strong enough to be able to effectively win second-balls. McEachran is fairly local, and considering he plays for a smaller club in Oxford City, I think this is realistic. However I think that due to his age, there may be better options out there.
Shrimper Stats 
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