The Custard Splat

Southend United are heading back to Wembley after a huge 3-1 win over Southport in the FA Trophy Semi-Final, and we break it all down on this episode of The Custard Splat.We react to Southend United’s dominant performance at Southport, analyse the key moments, standout players and what this result means ahead of the FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium.Attention then turns to the National League playoff race, as Southend United secured a crucial 2-1 win over Yeovil Town to strengthen their position in the playoff places. With a 3-point cushion and two games in hand, we assess Southend’s chances of promotion and whether Kevin Maher’s side are peaking at the perfect time.We also preview a massive Easter weekend with fixtures against Braintree Town and Sutton United, two huge games that could define Southend United’s season.In the second half of the podcast, we discuss the major club restructure announced by Southend United, including CEO Tom Lawrence stepping down at the end of the season. We break down the new leadership structure, including the introduction of a Director of Football and General Manager, and what it means for the future of the football club.We also cover the departures of John Still and Jason Demetriou, and discuss how the new football structure could shape recruitment, performance and long-term success at Southend United.This is a huge moment for Southend United on and off the pitch, with Wembley on the horizon and a National League playoff push building momentum.

A real mixed bag for Southend United over the last 10 days.We break down the win against Rochdale, the frustrating defeat to Altrincham, and the draw with Woking — what it all means and where this leaves Southend heading into a huge week.With the FA Trophy Semi Final against Southport coming up, we look ahead to one of the biggest games of the season… with a place at Wembley on the line.Performances, patterns, and pressure — this is where it starts to matter.

Scott and OG are back to break down a busy week for Southend United.The episode starts with a look back at the frustrating 1–1 draw with Gateshead, another midweek game that felt like a missed opportunity despite the Blues continuing to create chances and apply pressure.Attention then turns to Saturday’s impressive 2–0 win over Forest Green Rovers, a result that finally saw Southend beat a team above them in the table this season and delivered a huge boost in confidence heading into the final stretch.The lads also look ahead to a huge test against league leaders Rochdale, discussing whether the Blues can build on the Forest Green performance and prove they can compete with anyone in the division.All that and more as Scott and OG talk all things Southend United.Up the Splat.

This week we’re joined by former Southend United defender Che Wilson, a key part of the squad that delivered back-to-back promotions under Steve Tilson and won the League One title in 2006.With this season marking 20 years since that historic title win, Che joins us to relive the memories of one of the most successful eras in Southend United history.We discuss:• The dressing room culture of the Tilson promotion squad• Playing alongside Freddy Eastwood, Mark Gower, Kevin Maher and Adam Barrett• Che’s first professional goal in the 4–1 win over Brentford at Roots Hall• His memorable strike in the Essex Derby against Colchester United at Layer Road• What made the 2005/06 title-winning team so special• The atmosphere around Roots Hall during the promotion runFor Shrimpers fans, this is a nostalgic look back at a team that delivered memories that still live long in the memory.

In this episode of The Custard Splat, Scott W and Scott B break down Southend United’s recent results against Truro City and Carlisle United, and ask a serious question…Are Southend becoming a second half team?With another slow start at Roots Hall and a battling point away at Carlisle, the conversation turns to whether the Shrimpers are giving themselves too much to do in games.We also dive into a fascinating Top 8 mini-league, analysing how promotion contenders including Rochdale, York City, Carlisle United, Boreham Wood, Forest Green, Scunthorpe and Halifax have performed against each other this season.The numbers reveal a few uncomfortable truths about Southend’s record against the division’s strongest sides and raise an important question ahead of the run-in.Because if Southend reach the play-offs… these are the teams they will have to beat.Episode includes: Truro 1-1 reactionCarlisle 2-2 analysisThe ongoing goalkeeper discussionThe National League Top 8 mini-leagueCan Southend compete with the promotion contenders?If Southend want promotion, one thing is clear:We can’t keep turning up after half-time

In this special episode of The Custard Splat podcast we sit down with Olympic medalist and World Champion Fatima Whitbread MBE alongside the inspirational Gina Gardiner.Fatima opens up about her powerful journey growing up in the care system, how sport changed the direction of her life and the path that led her to becoming one of Britain’s greatest athletes. We also discuss the work she’s doing today through Fatima’s UK Campaign, which is dedicated to improving the lives and opportunities of young people growing up in care.Alongside this, Fatima explains why she wanted to get involved with Southend United’s “Draw Her Into The Game” campaign, helping inspire the next generation of girls to get involved in sport.Gina also shares her own incredible story of resilience, determination and empowerment and her passion for helping people believe in themselves and unlock their potential.A powerful and inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, leadership, mindset and creating opportunities for the next generation.Released to mark International Women’s Day

Southend United are into the FA Trophy Semi-Final and it’s officially all gas no brakes as we enter the chaotic month of March.In this episode of "The Splat" we break down the disappointment at Boreham Wood, preview tonight’s huge clash with Truro City, and look ahead to a massive FA Trophy Semi-Final away at Southport.Are Southend built to be a serious cup team?Can this squad handle the relentless March schedule?With Wembley on the horizon and league form still crucial, the Shrimpers are entering the most defining spell of the season.

The Custard Splat: In Conversation with Southend United Chairman Justin ReesThis is the big one.In our most in-depth episode to date, we sit down with Southend United Chairman Justin Rees for a proper, long-form conversation about the future of the football club.With the takeover completed in 2024 and COSU now firmly in control, this episode tackles the questions supporters have been asking around sustainability, promotion, infrastructure, governance and long-term ambition.Chapters🧭 The Five-Year PlanWhen did the clock actually start?What does year five realistically look like?Is promotion built into that timeline?And what does “success” mean inside the boardroom?🏛 COSU & GovernanceHow does the consortium actually operate behind the scenes?Who leads on finance, commercial, infrastructure and football matters?How is investment structured within COSU?And what governance protections are in place?⚽ Director of Football & Football StructureWhy is a Director of Football being explored?What would that role bring?And what would success look like in year one?💰 Budgets, Sustainability & Financial OversightWe discuss the wider National League budget debate (including comparisons with Forest Green Rovers) and what financial sustainability really means for Southend United.What position did COSU inherit?Where does the club stand financially today?What safeguards protect potential Fossett’s Farm development funds?This is about building properly - not just spending loudly.⚖️ Ambition vs Sustainability: Getting The Balance RightHow do you take supporters on the journey of balancing the books after years of financial mismanagement?Is being a sustainable National League club the platform for long-term success in the EFL?How do you avoid repeating past mistakes while still chasing promotion?🏗 Fossett’s Farm & The East StandWhat’s the realistic timeline?How connected are the two projects?What happens if timelines shift?And practically speaking - with 7,000 average home supporters - how would matchdays function during redevelopment?🚻 Roots Hall & Matchday ExperienceFrom facilities to phased improvements - how does the long-term vision align with the week-to-week supporter experience?🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.

Recorded inside Roots Hall the boys are back in the same room together for the first time in what feels like months.We break down a hugely professional 3-0 win away at Brackley, another goal for Tom Hopper, and the now inevitable “GSM doing GSM things” moment - because at this point, Gus Scott-Morriss scoring is basically law.We also address something that’s been brewing for a while. The reaction to Hopper earlier in the season, the boos, the silence, and what real support actually looks like when a player is struggling. With Southend United back in the National League play-off places, we look at the table, the momentum building, and what this run-in could become.We’re recording this pre Boreham Wood… you’re listening post Boreham Wood. So if we sound clever (or not), that’s on timing.Plus, we tease our upcoming conversation with Chairman Justin Rees.Up the Splat