In this in-depth analysis, I break down Danny Cashman’s profile and explain why he was one of the best #10’s in the National League.
Author Archives: Shrimper Stats
Dion Pereira – Scout Report
As far as National League players go, Dion Pereira is elite! In this in-depth scout report, I explain exactly why that is the case, break down his game and explain what must happen for him to fulfil his potential.
Barnet vs. Gateshead – Post-Match Analysis
A post-match tactical analysis of Dean Brennan’s Barnet versus Carl Magnay’s Gateshead.
Gus Scott-Morriss – Scout Report
In this in-depth scout report, I analyse Gus Scott-Morriss’ profile in each of the following phases: in-possession, out-of-possession, transitions, and set-pieces.
Rochdale vs. York City – Post-Match Analysis
Adam Hinshelwood’s York City beat Jim McNulty’s Rochdale 4-0 at Spotland on Tuesday night.
Southend United’s 3-5-2 formation
Southend United’s squad has specifically been built for the 3-5-2. Consequently, it places a huge reliance on the strikers and wing-backs to score & assist.
Adam Hinshelwood’s York City – Tactical Analysis
As well as being a very well-coached side with tactically intelligent players, the reason the structure behind Adam Hinshelwood’s York City is superior to sides such as Barnet and Rochdale centres around their use of a back-four.
Mark Cooper’s Yeovil Town – Tactical Analysis
An analysis of Mark Cooper’s tactics at Yeovil Town, and an assessment of the long-term prospects of his project at Huish Park.
Altrincham vs. York City – Tactical Analysis
Phil Parkinson’s Altrincham beat title-hopefuls York City 3-0 on Tuesday night, and they demonstrated the perfect way to beat Adam Hinshelwood’s side.
Examining Southend United’s start to the 2024/25 season
An examination of why Southend United have struggled to find consistency so far this season.
Southend United’s 4-3-3 formation
An analysis of how the profile of players at head coach Kevin Maher’s disposal fit the 4-3-3 system, and an assessment of its medium-term suitability to Southend United.
Adam Hinshelwood’s York City – Tactical Analysis
In this in-depth article, I analyse York City’s in-possession and out-of-possession approaches under their manager, Adam Hinshelwood; and explain how he’s transformed them into National League title challengers.
Barnet vs. Rochdale – Post-Match Analysis
I break down the tactical battle between Barnet and Jimmy McNulty’s Rochdale, and weigh up the pros and cons to Dean Brennan’s out-of-possession approach in a 2-1 victory for his side.
York City vs. Barnet – Post-Match Analysis
Here, I break down the tactical battle between York City and Dean Brennan’s Barnet, and explain how it led to a 3-1 victory for Adam Hinshelwood’s side.
Rochdale vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
Here, I break down the tactical battle from Saturday’s match at Spotland, and explain how it led to victory for Kevin Maher’s Southend United over Jimmy McNulty’s Rochdale.
Dean Brennan’s Barnet – Tactical Analysis
In this in-depth article, I analyse Barnet’s in-possession and out-of-possession structures under head coach Dean Brennan, and determine what the National League title favourites’ chances are this season with his tactics.
Jimmy McNulty’s Rochdale – Tactical Analysis
In this in-depth article, I examine McNulty’s new 3-2-5 build-up structure; weigh up the pros and cons it has to his overall system; and provide an updated analysis of his Rochdale side’s chances this season.
Southend United vs. Gateshead – Post-Match Analysis
In this article, I break down the tactical battle between Southend United and Gateshead, and explain how Gateshead picked up the three points in a 3-1 victory at Roots Hall.
Ollie Kensdale – Scout Report
In this in-depth article, I analyse Ollie Kensdale’s profile; explain how it differs to Southend United’s other centre-backs; and assess how suitable his profile is to the central centre-back role.
Gateshead vs. Barnet – Post-Match Analysis
In this article, I break down the tactical battle between Rob Elliot’s Gateshead and Dean Brennan’s Barnet, as two of the National League’s promotion favourites went head-to-head.
Barnet vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
In this in-depth article, I analyse how each side looked to build play from defence; assess the effectiveness of each side’s pressing structure; and explain why this had a material affect on Barnet beating Southend..
Southend United vs. York City – Post-Match Analysis
In this article, I break down the tactical battle between Kevin Maher and Adam Hinshelwood; assess Southend and York’s pressing structures; and explain why York had so much of the possession.
Rob Elliot’s Gateshead – Tactical Analysis
In this in-depth article, I’ll analyse Gateshead’s style of play under Rob Elliot; assess his on and off-ball approaches; and determine whether his tactics can help them build on a sixth-place finish and FA Trophy victory last season, to mount a title challenge this time around.
Phil Parkinson’s Altrincham – Tactical Analysis
In this in-depth article, I analyse Altrincham’s style of play under Phil Parkinson; assess his in-possession and out-of-possession approaches; and determine whether his tactics are sustainable enough to keep them competing towards the top of the National League.
How Josh Walker could fit into Southend United’s system
In this article, I will analyse Walker’s playing profile; assess how he could fit into Southend’s system; and determine whether, on paper, he will be a good fit.
Jimmy McNulty’s Rochdale – Tactical Analysis
In this in-depth article, I analyse Rochdale’s playing style under McNulty; assess his on and off-ball approach; and determine how likely his tactics are to get them challenging at the top of the National League.
Southend United Recruitment Plan – Summer 2024
My summer recruitment document includes a brief overview of Southend United’s current squad, where I think we should strengthen, and some transfer recommendations for each position.
Paul McCallum – Scout Report
In this article, I will assess Paul McCallum’s technical, physical, tactical and mental profiles; as well as suggest how he could potentially fit into Southend’s system.
Southend United’s ‘inverted wing-backs’
There has been an interesting tactical tweak to Southend United’s system that I’ve noticed recently: our inverted wing-backs.
Toby Edser – Scout Report
Ebbsfleet United midfielder Toby Edser is a player who I have admired for a while now. After first identifying him as a potential transfer target for Southend United back in December, he has gone on to show some very impressive performances to help Ebbsfleet move away from the National League relegation zone.
This article will be split into two sections. The first will be a basic scout report, focussing on Edser’s technical, physical, tactical and mental profiles. The second part of this article will go into detail about how Edser would, in my opinion, be a good fit specifically for Southend’s system.
Southend United vs. Boreham Wood – Post-Match Analysis
Southend United’s third goal in our recent 4-2 victory against Boreham Wood at Roots Hall was a genuine Goal Of The Season contender.
It also demonstrated some tactical aspects which were at play, as detailed in this article.
How to get the best out of Jack Wood
Since Jack Wood’s goal and assist versus Aldershot Town at the end of February, there has been a lot of discussion around why he hasn’t been given more game-time for Southend United.
In this article I will explain why this may be the case, assess where he currently fits into our side, and offer a suggestion as to how he may be used going forwards.
Southend United vs. Aldershot Town – Post-Match Analysis
Southend United beat Aldershot Town 4-1 at Roots Hall. In this article, I will break down some key tactical talking points from the match, including how Aldershot were so dangerous in the first-half, and why Jack Wood’s introduction after half-time allowed Southend to control the match better.
How Adam Crowther could fit into Southend United’s system
Southend United recently announced the signing of 23-year-old centre-back Adam Crowther from National League North side King’s Lynn Town on an initial two-and-a-half-year contract.
In this article, I will assess how Crowther may fit into Southend’s system in the following phases of play: attack, defence, defensive transitions, and set-pieces.
How Danny Waldron could fit into Southend United’s system
In this article, I will assess how Danny Waldron may fit into Southend’s system in each of the following phases of play: build-up, final-third, out-of-possession and set-pieces.
Southend United Recruitment Plan – January 2024
Links to headings: Goalkeeper suggestions Left-Sided Centre-Back suggestions Right Wing-Back suggestions Left-Sided Central-Midfielder suggestions Centre-Forward suggestions Second-Striker 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 pastContinueContinue reading “Southend United Recruitment Plan – January 2024”
How James Morton could fit into Southend United’s system
Southend United recently announced the signing of midfielder James Morton from Weston-super-Mare of the National League South – our first signing since the lifting of our 15-month-long transfer embargo. In this article I will explain Morton’s profile, assess his strengths and weaknesses, and suggest where he may fit into Southend’s system. Profile Morton is aContinueContinue reading “How James Morton could fit into Southend United’s system”
Looking back on Dan Mooney’s time at Southend United
Dan Mooney and Southend United parted ways last week. When Mooney joined in the summer of 2022, it was a transfer that sparked a lot of excitement amongst the fanbase. However in truth, we failed to see Mooney perform to the standards he set at previous club Altrincham on a regular basis. In this articleContinueContinue reading “Looking back on Dan Mooney’s time at Southend United”
Chris Haigh – Scout Report
Using data, I have identified Ebbsfleet United goalkeeper Chris Haigh as a potential transfer target for Southend United. Haigh – 26-years-old and a former Concord Rangers player – is currently on loan at Oxford City, and has made 17 appearances so far this season. In this scout report I will assess Haigh’s performance so farContinueContinue reading “Chris Haigh – Scout Report”
Investigating Boreham Wood’s decline
Re-wind to 7th May 2023, and Boreham Wood were 2-1 up away from home at Notts County in the National League Play-Off Semi-Finals, and just minutes away from a Wembley appearance for a shot at promotion to the Football League. A late equaliser in normal time and another late goal at the end of extraContinueContinue reading “Investigating Boreham Wood’s decline”
Southend United Recruitment Plan
With Southend United’s year-long transfer embargo seemingly only weeks away from being lifted, I thought now would be a good time to start thinking about where we may look to strengthen. We have been restricted to a maximum squad size of 16 players for the entirety of the season, and have also been unable toContinueContinue reading “Southend United Recruitment Plan”
Analysing Southend United’s change in system
Southend United have started the 2023/24 National League season in fine form – on the pitch at least. We have picked up 13 points from our first eight matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding nine in the process. In fact, we only scored 16 goals in our final 15 matches of last season. So whatContinueContinue reading “Analysing Southend United’s change in system”
Halifax Town vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
A post-match analysis of the Halifax Town vs. Southend United match.
Dorking Wanderers vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
Southend United suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 National League season on Tuesday night away to Dorking Wanderers. Goals from Ryan Seager and Jason Prior gave the home side victory, after Harry Cardwell had put Southend ahead early on. In this article I will explain how Southend attempted to beat Dorking’s pressing structure, andContinueContinue reading “Dorking Wanderers vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis”
Mike Williamson’s Gateshead – Team Analysis
Gateshead will go into the new National League season with dreams of promotion to the Football League. They have attracted lots of interest due to their attractive style of play, and have recruited well over the Summer transfer window as they look to build on their strong finish to last season. Mike Williamson’s side pickedContinueContinue reading “Mike Williamson’s Gateshead – Team Analysis”
Bishop’s Stortford vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
Southend United played their first public pre-season friendly of the 2023/24 season on Saturday afternoon, coming from behind to win 4-1 at Bishop’s Stortford. Jack Wood, who spent last season on loan at Tonbridge Angels, scored a hat-trick after Callum Powell had equalised for Southend. In this article I will explain how Southend’s formation changedContinueContinue reading “Bishop’s Stortford vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis”
Finding new centre-backs for Southend United – Summer 2023
The next area of the pitch that I’m focusing on in terms of identifying transfer targets for Southend United is at centre back. My approach is primarily data-driven, although it’s important to point out that optimal recruitment requires a mix of both approaches – statistical and traditional. Therefore, this is merely a starting point. HeadContinueContinue reading “Finding new centre-backs for Southend United – Summer 2023”
Finding a new goalkeeper for Southend United – Summer 2023
A data-driven approach to finding Southend United a new goalkeeper ahead of the 2023/24 National League season.
Notts County vs. Boreham Wood – Post-Match Analysis
A tactical analysis of the Notts County vs. Boreham Wood match.
An article about ‘expected goals’ (xG)
A data analysis looking at how Southend Utd performed in front of goal this season, as well as an explanation of what xG is, and the difference between pre-shot and post-shot xG.
Southend United vs. Wealdstone – Post-Match Analysis
A tactical analysis of the Southend Utd vs. Wealdstone match.
Wealdstone – Opposition Report
A preview of the Southend Utd vs. Wealdstone match.
Scunthorpe United vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
A player analysis of Wes Fonguck in Southend Utd’s match at Scunthorpe Utd.
Oldham Athletic vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
How Oldham Athletic’s low-block helped them beat Southend Utd.
Oldham Athletic – Opposition Report
A preview of the Oldham Athletic vs. Southend Utd match.
Dagenham & Redbridge – Opposition Report
A preview of the Southend Utd vs. Dagenham & Redbridge match.
Wrexham vs. Notts County – Post-Match Analysis
A tactical analysis of the Wrexham vs. Notts County match.
Woking – Opposition Report
A preview of the Woking vs. Southend Utd match.
Updated analysis of Jack Bridge’s importance to Southend United
An updated data analysis on how important Jack Bridge is to Southend Utd.
The importance of the first goal
A data analysis of how important scoring the first goal has been to Southend Utd so far this season.
Torquay United vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
Torquay Utd vs. Southend Utd analysis.
Notts County vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
A tactical analysis of the Notts County vs. Southend Utd match.
Notts County vs. Southend United – Pre-Match Analysis
A tactical preview of the Notts County vs. Southend Utd match.
Southend United vs. Gateshead – Post-Match Analysis
A tactical analysis of the Southend Utd vs. Gateshead match.
Harry Cardwell – Scout Report
A player analysis of Harry Cardwell, looking at what he brings to Southend Utd.
Dean Brennan’s Barnet – Data Analysis
A data analysis focussing on Barnet’s season so far.
Southend United vs. York City – Post-Match Analysis
Southend Utd vs. York City analysis, including why a change of position for Jack Bridge is helping Southend.
Southend United’s midfield dynamics
Looking at how the dynamics of Southend Utd’s midfield has changed.
Analysing Southend United’s last five National League matches
A data analysis of Southend Utd’s five match run without a win in the league.
How Shaun Hobson is helping Jack Bridge to excel
Looking at how Shaun Hobson’s ability to switch the play is helping Jack Bridge to excel for Southend Utd.
What is a ‘Rest Defence’ and why it’s important
Looking at how Southend Utd’s in-possession defensive structure helps to mitigate the effectiveness of opposition turnovers.
Boreham Wood – Opposition Report
A preview of the Boreham Wood vs. Southend Utd match.
Altrincham – Opposition Report
A preview of the Southend Utd vs. Altrincham match.
Analysing Jack Bridge’s influence for Southend Utd
A data analysis of how important Jack Bridge is to Southend Utd.
Dorking Wanderers – Opposition Report
A preview of the Southend Utd vs. Dorking Wanderers match.
Southend United vs. Notts County – Post-Match Analysis
A tactical analysis of the Southend Utd vs. Notts County match.
Notts County – Opposition Report
A preview of the Southend Utd vs. Notts County match.
York City vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
York City vs. Southend Utd analysis.
Southend United vs. Scunthorpe United – Post-Match Analysis
Southend Utd vs. Scunthorpe Utd analysis.
Dagenham & Redbridge vs. Southend United – Post-Match Analysis
A tactical analysis of the Dagenham & Redbridge vs. Southend Utd match.
Southend United vs. Woking – Post-Match Analysis
Southend Utd vs. Woking analysis.
Southend United vs. Yeovil Town – Post-Match Analysis
Southend Utd vs. Yeovil Town analysis.
Analysing Southend United’s first ten matches in the 2022/23 season
Using data to analyse Southend’s first 10 matches of the 2022/23 National League season.