Explore every episode of the podcast The Custard Splat

This week we’re talking rotation.

Should you ever change a winning team? And what message does constant rotation send to a player who performs well on Saturday, only to find themselves back on the bench for the next game?

We look at the balance between keeping a squad fresh and keeping players happy, whether competition for places actually works when players know changes are coming regardless of performance, and whether you can maintain squad morale across a full season when nobody is quite sure where they stand.

Is rotation good squad management or can too much of it eventually become a problem?

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After a short break during September, THE SPLAT IS BACK! 🎙️

This one is very much our catch-up episode as we look back over the season so far, cover everything we’ve missed and get ourselves properly back up to speed.

And from here, we’re back to our regular weekly episodes.

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We’ve spoken plenty about COSU. This time, we wanted to get to know one of the men behind it.

Shivaas Gulati joins The Custard Splat for an extended sit-down about his journey into football ownership and becoming part of the group rebuilding Southend United.

COSU completed its takeover of the club in June 2024. Five months later, in November, Shivaas invested and became part of the ownership group.

So why Southend United? How did the opportunity come about? What convinced him to invest in a football club and what has he learned since?

Following on from our ownership conversation at the Season Launch, this episode takes things in a much more personal direction as we get to know Shivaas the person, the businessman and the Southend United co-owner.

We discuss his background before football, his first conversations with Justin Rees, the decision to invest, his relationship with the supporters and his experience of life behind the scenes at Roots Hall.

We also look at where Southend United finds itself today, the balance between stability and ambition, and what Shivaas believes comes next for the club.

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Three games. Three wins. Nine points from nine.

Scott Wallace and Scott Barber sit down for the first proper match-review episode of the season, looking back at wins over Altrincham, Scunthorpe United and Solihull Moors.

Rather than simply running through the games, we dig into why Southend are winning... the early signs of Kieron Dyer’s identity, the players making an impact, the strength of the squad and the different ways this side has already shown it can get results.

We also ask the question nobody wants to get carried away with in August…

Should Southend United already be part of the promotion conversation?

Plus, we look ahead to tonight under the lights at Roots Hall as Kidderminster Harriers come to town

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Part Two of the Southend United Official Season Launch, hosted by The Custard Splat.

We’re joined by Kieron Dyer, Oliver Gage and Catherine Honey to bring the conversation right back to the football and look ahead to the season in front of us.

We talk about the summer, recruitment, building the squad, the work that’s gone on behind the scenes and the expectations heading into the new campaign.

With a new season underway, it’s about where Southend United are now, what this group can achieve and just how far they can go.

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Part One of the Southend United Official Season Launch, hosted by The Custard Splat.

We’re joined by COSU members Justin Rees, Shivaas Gulati and David Kreyling to talk about their first two years as custodians of the Club and, more importantly, what comes next.

The survival chapter is closed. Now it’s about what Southend United can become.

We talk ambition, managing expectations, the fine line between confidence and arrogance when you’re the biggest club in the league, and making sure the lessons of the past aren’t forgotten as the Club moves forward.

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The Big National League Prediction Show | 2026/27 Season Preview

The wait is finally over... the new National League season is here.

With not a ball kicked yet, Scott and OG sit down to make their predictions for the season ahead. Who's lifting the title? Who's making the play-offs? Who's heading for the drop? And, of course, where do we think Southend United will finish?

As always, there are a few bold shouts, a few disagreements, and probably a couple of predictions we'll end up regretting by Christmas.

Give it a listen and let us know where you think we've got it completely wrong.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts.

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The football season is almost upon us once again and there's plenty for us to get stuck into.

Scott, Scotty & OG look at Southend United's pre-season campaign, discuss the performances that have caught the eye, the players who have impressed most, and whether the Shrimpers are ready for the new season.

We also debate who should wear the captain's armband, why the search for a proven striker remains the biggest priority, and the daunting task of replacing the 50 goals that walked out of the door this summer through player departures.

Plus, we give our thoughts on the current state of the Roots Hall pitch ahead of the opening game of the campaign and what needs to improve before the season gets underway.

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In this episode of The Custard Splat, we give our honest thoughts on the brand-new Erreà home and away shirts, take a look at the goalkeeper kits and training range, and rank our favourites from everything released so far.

We also discuss the club's latest summer business, with Rayan Oyebade, Vontae Daley-Campbell and Joe Duncan all joining the Shrimpers ahead of the new season.

Finally, we say goodbye to Slavi Spasov as he departs for Yeovil Town, reflecting on his time at Roots Hall and wishing him all the best for the future.

🏆 Vote for The Custard Splat at the Football Content Awards!

If you've enjoyed the podcast this season, we'd massively appreciate your support. We're going for Best in Non League, Best in Video & Best in Social Media.

Every vote makes a huge difference.

👉 Vote here: https://footballcontentawards.com/voting/

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This week on The Custard Splat, we're joined by one of the most recognisable Southend United voices on social media - AlexisLOS (cmon)

From building a huge following on TikTok to using his platform to support great causes through his running challenges, Alexis has become a familiar face to Blues fans both online and at Roots Hall.

We chat about his Southend United journey, how social media changed his life, the responsibility that comes with having an audience, and the charity work that continues to inspire thousands. We also look at his work alongside the club on recent campaigns and what the future holds.

It's a brilliant conversation that goes beyond football, giving you the chance to get to know the person behind the videos.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your podcasts.

Don't forget to follow the show and leave us a rating if you're enjoying what we're building.

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After taking some time away towards the end of last season following the passing of his father, Scott Barber makes his long-awaited return to The Custard Splat ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

We catch up with Barber on everything he's missed, get his thoughts on Southend United's appointment of Kieron Dyer as Head Coach, and discuss the summer business so far, including the arrivals of Darren Oldaker and Anthony Hartigan, as well as Keenan Appiah-Forson's move to Oldham Athletic.

We also dive into the new Erreà kits, the reaction from supporters, and what the new partnership could mean for the club moving forward.

Finally, we're joined by Fabrizio Taddei, Head of Global Partnerships at Erreà, for a fascinating behind-the-scenes conversation about the Southend United deal, how long kit development really takes, the scale of the operation behind the scenes, and why Erreà believes supporters should trust the process.

A packed episode to kick off what promises to be a huge season for Southend United.

#BringBackTheSplat

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This week on The Custard Splat, we sit down with Southend United Director of Football Oliver Gage.

With a new era underway at Roots Hall, we go behind the scenes to understand what a Director of Football actually does, why Southend's football structure has changed and how key decisions are made at the club.

Oliver discusses his journey into football, the recruitment process, the appointment of Kieron Dyer as Head Coach and the long-term vision for Southend United both on and off the pitch.

If you've ever wondered how a modern football club operates behind the scenes, this is the episode for you.

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The Splat Boys are back with another episode of The Custard Splat!

There's plenty to get stuck into this week as the Shrimpers enter a new era under new Head Coach Kieron Dyer.

We'll be giving our thoughts on the appointment, discussing the departures of Joe Gubbins and Jack Bridge, and looking at what it all means for Southend's summer rebuild.

Plus, with the World Cup now underway, we have a (quick) chat about England's chances in the USA

Available wherever you get your podcasts 🎙️

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It's a new era at Southend United, but your number one podcast remains exactly the same.

Broadcasting from The Blue Eagle Pub, we're discussing a summer of major change at the club, with Noor Husin, Gus Scott-Morriss and Nathan Ralph all moving on to pastures new.

We also take a look at the ongoing contract negotiations involving Jack Bridge, Collin Andeng Ndi, Keenan Appiah-Forson and Joe Gubbins, as Southend continue shaping their squad for the season ahead.

Plus, the search for a new head coach is gathering momentum. The club has reportedly narrowed its search to a final four-man shortlist, with South Shields boss Ian Watson among the names linked to the role🎙️

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The 2025/26 season comes to an end with The Custard Splat End of Season Awards 🦐🏆

From Player of the Season and Unsung Hero, to Honourable Mentions, Meltdown of the Season and everything in between… we hand out the awards after one of the most unforgettable seasons in modern Southend United history.

54 episodes later, Wembley visited, a trophy lifted and chaos right at the very end… there was only one way to wrap this season up.

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Southend United have just experienced one of the most emotional and chaotic 48 hours in modern club history.

🏆 FA Trophy winners at Wembley

🧤 Collin Andeng Ndi becomes the shootout hero

💔 Kevin Maher, Darren Currie & Mark Bentley depart

📈 New appointments begin the Oliver Gage rebuild

This episode covers the highest of highs… and then the complete reset that followed.

The Maher era is over.

The next chapter starts now.

🎙️🦐

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LIVE from Wembley Stadium, The Custard Splat brings you a special edition from the press box as we relive Southend United’s road to the FA Trophy Final.

From the early rounds to the big stage under the arch, we look back at the moments, performances and stories that got the Shrimpers to Wembley - with a first piece of domestic silverware in over a decade now within touching distance.

One game. One occasion. One massive opportunity for Kevin Maher’s Southend United 🦐

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Episode 51 of The Custard Splat Podcast sees us shine the spotlight on Southend United Ladies ahead of a massive weekend for the football club.

Joining us in the studio are Ladies Manager Nick Sheldrick alongside players Lauren Johnson and Abbey Dell as we build up to Saturday’s huge Essex Derby against Colchester United at Roots Hall.

We chat about what it means to represent the badge, flying the flag for Southend in one of the biggest fixtures in the history of the women's team, and the importance of inspiring the next generation of girls to get involved in football.

Nick speaks passionately about his ambition to firmly put the Ladies side of Southend United on the map, while Lauren and Abbey give an insight into the togetherness, belief and pride within the squad heading into a landmark occasion for the club.

A massive moment for Southend United Ladies.

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Our full FA Trophy Final special as Southend United prepare for a huge day under the arch against Wealdstone with silverware on the line.

We build up to the final by discussing the occasion itself, what it means for the football club, the fans and the city, plus how this current group have dragged Southend to within one game of lifting a trophy at Wembley.

We also get into the contract situations surrounding several players, the unnecessary noise and distractions bubbling away before a domestic cup final, and whether this squad deserves to stay together beyond this season.

Plus all the usual tangents, Wembley awaits.

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Less than 24 hours after Southend United’s crushing 1-0 playoff elimination to Scunthorpe United, Scott and Oli sit down for a raw, unfiltered reaction.

This wasn’t just a defeat - it was, in our opinion, the poorest performance of the season. A game where Southend never looked like Southend. No identity, no intensity and a side that looked beaten before a ball was even kicked.

Now the reality hits…

A sixth straight season in the National League.

Around 15 players out of contract.

A summer that could define the future of the football club.

Where do we go from here?

In this episode:

• Immediate reaction to the playoff loss
• Where it went wrong on the day
• Questions over mentality, setup & approach
• Huge squad turnover incoming
• What the rebuild needs to look like

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Scott and Oli break down a chaotic week for Southend United as the Blues smash 6 past FC Halifax Town in a historic performance before falling short in a 7-goal thriller at Hartlepool United.

With the playoffs locked in and Wembley on the horizon, this episode dives into form, fitness, selection headaches, and what really matters now.

• Halifax 2-6 Southend - a record-breaking attacking display, goals flying in from everywhere
• Hartlepool 4-3 Southend - what went wrong after 7 changes and a disrupted rhythm
• Playoff preparation - why Saturday doesn’t matter as much as Tuesday
• Squad depth analysis - Gus, Dallas, Kendall and goals all over the pitch
• Injury concerns - managing key players ahead of the eliminator
• Midfield debate - who starts when it really counts?
• Playoff predictions - 6th or 7th… and who do we actually want?

• Is this the most complete Southend squad in years?
• Does knockout football actually suit this team better?
• Are we one result away from something special… or one mistake away from it ending?

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube

📲 Follow The Custard Splat for weekly Southend United coverage, match analysis, fan debate and behind-the-scenes insight

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Southend United have secured their place in the National League play-offs… and there’s a lot to unpack.

In Episode 47 of The Custard Splat, we break down what it means for the Shrimpers heading into the business end of the season, including back-to-back clean sheets and a defensive unit that’s quietly putting together a serious run.

We also tackle the narrative around goals… because despite what some might say, Southend are scoring plenty this season. And then there’s Gus Scott-Morriss, who at this point is doing things that just aren’t normal for a wing-back.

On the pitch, we cover the 0-0 draw with Solihull and the 2-0 win away at Aldershot.

As always, we go off on a few tangents… including talk around Tottenham and Leicester’s looming relegations, plus a bit of groundhopping chat thrown in for good measure.

Plenty to discuss.

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Southend United’s play-off push is well and truly alive after a huge Easter weekend.

Scott and Oli are back to break down two massive wins – a chaotic 3-2 victory over Braintree on Good Friday, followed by a dominant 3-0 away performance at Sutton on Easter Monday. Six points, six goals, and momentum building at exactly the right time.

With the Shrimpers now sitting in the play-off places with games in hand, we take a deep dive into the National League table and ask the big question… how far can this team go?

We also look at Southend’s attacking output this season, with Gus Scott-Morriss and Andrew Dallas both hitting 15 league goals. With 70 goals already on the board, is it finally time to drop the narrative that Southend don’t score enough?

Looking ahead, we preview the next big test at home to Solihull Moors as the promotion race intensifies.

In Part Two, we discuss the appointment of Oliver Gage as Southend United’s new Director of Football. What does the role actually mean?

What does his background in the UK and North America bring to the club? And could this be the structural change needed to take Southend forward long-term?

All that and more on Episode 46 of The Custard Splat.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 run

For Shrimpers fans, this is a nostalgic look back at a team that delivered memories that still live long in the memory.

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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 reaction

Carlisle 2-2 analysis

The ongoing goalkeeper discussion

The National League Top 8 mini-league

Can Southend compete with the promotion contenders?

If Southend want promotion, one thing is clear:

We can’t keep turning up after half-time

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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

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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.

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The Custard Splat: In Conversation with Southend United Chairman Justin Rees

This 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.

When 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?

How 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?

Why is a Director of Football being explored?

What would that role bring?

And what would success look like in year one?

We 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.

How 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?

What’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?

From 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.

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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

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Southend United 5-1 Morecambe. Five goals. Five different scorers.

In Episode 36 of The Custard Splat, Scott W and Scott B react to Southend United’s dominant 5-1 win over Morecambe... arguably the most complete National League performance of the season so far.

We break down:

• GSM and Harry Boyes proving exactly why the wingback system works (Oli, you’ll have your right of reply 👀)

• A huge moment for Tom Hopper as he scores his first goal of the 2025/26 campaign

• Why the reaction from his teammates says everything about his standing in the squad

• Whether this result finally signals momentum ahead of Brackley

Sadie is back on the pod too and she’s wearing all the hats.

Mum.

Sister.

Marketing Director.

Entrepreneur.

And now a key figure in the new HER Soccer Academy.

A fresh, confident and unapologetically loud voice in women’s football... and football in general.

We talk about the upcoming Southend United Women vs Colchester fixture in May, the new mascot drawing initiative, the growing engagement from groups of young girls, and why visibility matters.

Women don’t want preferential treatment in football.

They want equal treatment.

And here’s the thing, Sadie is just as passionate about the men’s game as she is about the women’s. This isn’t about division. It’s about growth.

And don’t forget - we’ll be sitting down with chairman Justin Rees next week. Send us your sensible questions.

If you follow Southend United, the National League, or care about the growth of football at every level - this episode is for you.

Follow, subscribe and share the Splat.

Up the Shrimpers.

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Southend United’s game at Aldershot was called off just 95 minutes before kick-off and fans were already on the road.

In this episode of The Custard Splat, Scott and Oli react to another National League postponement, discuss the communication around waterlogged pitches, and break down the brutal reality of Southend now facing 15 games in 49 days.

What does this fixture congestion mean for the Shrimpers’ season, squad fitness, and playoff hopes? And how can the process improve for supporters?

If you were travelling to Aldershot, we want to hear from you.

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The Shrimpers travel to Aldershot Town tonight and we break down where the Shrimpers really stand at this stage of the season.

Scott & Scott discuss the current form, promotion hopes, strengths and areas for improvement before being joined by Aldershot fan Cobie Ware, who gives us the opposition perspective whilst following The Shots from Ecuador.

Match preview, honest reflections, and football stories from the other side of the world.

Up the Splat

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How much does promotion actually cost?

Forest Green Rovers have published their numbers and they’re eye-watering.

£6.5 million a year on wages alone. Championship-level spending.

And here’s the mad bit…

Despite all that? They’re right there with us in the same play-off fight.

So it got us thinking:

Is throwing money at a league the smart way to get out of it?

Or is building sustainably, backing good recruitment, culture and togetherness actually the better long-term play?

We chat through:

• What £6.5m wages really means at this level
• Why budgets don’t always equal success
• The difference between “buying” promotion vs earning it
• Where Southend sit in the picture financially
• And whether patience + sustainability might actually win the race

A proper reality check on what we’re up against and why maybe we’re doing things the right way.

Because if money guaranteed promotion… the table would look very different.

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It’s been a tough week for The Shrimpers. A breathless 3–3 draw with Boston United, followed by a late defeat at the hands of Rochdale, has seen Southend slip out of the play-off places and you can feel the mood dip across the fanbase.

In this episode we get into what those results really mean, how fragile momentum feels right now, and whether patience is wearing thin.

The big question: if COSU are serious about promotion this season, will they back it with investment - or are we expected to make do?

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We touch on the Bring Back the Splat campaign and why identity and heritage still matter at Southend United, before diving into the club’s “Draw Her Into the Game” campaign and the launch of Southend’s first-ever female mascot.

On the pitch, we review the draw at York City and the impressive 4–1 win over Eastleigh, then look ahead to a brutal run of five consecutive away games, starting with Boston United.

We finish by shouting out the Southend United U18s, who take on Wrexham tonight at Roots Hall in the FA Youth Cup.

Up the Splat

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It’s been another busy one at Roots Hall and there’s plenty for us to get stuck into.

We talk through Nick Hayes’ move to Hartlepool and what that means behind the scenes, Adam Crowther’s departure to Chelmsford, and the club’s plans to appoint a new Director of Football as the next phase of the rebuild continues.

There’s also reaction to the news of Ron Martin being declared bankrupt, what (if anything) it changes for Southend United, and where the club stands now off the pitch.

And to finish on a high, we look back at positive progress in the FA Trophy and what it could mean for confidence and momentum going forward.

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The Splat is back after a short break over the New Year and there’s plenty to get stuck into as Scott and Scott return to the mics to dissect all the festive football from Roots Hall.

From Christmas results to key talking points and performances, the lads break down what we’ve learned over the busiest period of the season and where things are heading next.

This episode also features a chat with David Matthews, Marketing Director at Bath City FC, ahead of this weekend’s FA Trophy clash - offering a look at the opposition and the occasion from the other side.

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We’re dipping into The Custard Splat archive this New Year’s Day with our full-length interview with Frankie Banks, recorded back in August.

Part One of this chat was previously released on Spotify and other podcast platforms, while the full interview was originally a Patreon exclusive. Today we’re opening it up for everyone.

Think of this episode as a teaser of the kind of deeper, longer-form content you can expect more of going forward with extended interviews and exclusives continuing over on Patreon.

Settle in, enjoy the full conversationvand we’ll be back soon with brand-new episodes.

Up the Shrimpers 🦐

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It’s our final episode before Christmas and we’re signing off for the festive break in true Custard Splat style.

Scott, OG and Scott B look back on the defeat to Tamworth... asking whether it’s just a frustrating blip or a warning sign as the play-off picture tightens. Are we in danger of slipping out… and could that actually provide the spark this squad needs?

We’ll be back following the Boxing Day game when we’ll have absolutely no idea what day it is.

Merry Custard Splatmas… and up the Shrimpers 🎙️💙

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Scott W and OG break down the emphatic 4-0 FA Trophy win over Truro City, discussing how seriously the competition should be taken and what a decent cup run could mean for league form and momentum.

Later in the show, Sadie (aka Mrs Scott W) makes an emergency loan-signing appearance on the pod, bringing with her a completely non–fact-checked quiz to put OG and Scott to the test.

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In this week’s episode of The Splat we dive straight into the drama surrounding Southend United’s abandoned clash with Rochdale. We break down what happened, the implications and the reaction around the fanbase.

We also discuss the long-awaited return of Harry Cardwell to the club. What does his comeback mean for the squad? How will he fit into the current system? And what can supporters expect from him this time around?

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Sitting 7th in the league we find ourselves in a strange spot: competitive, organised, hard to beat… but also looking up at clubs with significantly bigger budgets, including the likes of Forest Green, York, Rochdale, and Carlisle.

And this poses the central question of the episode:

Is this genuinely our level right now - our “glass floor” - or are COSU capable of breaking beyond it without financial firepower?

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The Custard Splat is back with another packed episode! Scott W and Oli (OG) take the mic this week to break down a brilliant few weeks for the Shrimpers, including the 0–1 win away at Yeovil and a dominant 3–0 performance against Altrincham at Roots Hall.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. With Harry Taylor suspended and Ben Goodliffe a major doubt after a tight hamstring, Scott and OG dig into the very real possibility of a defensive crisis, and what options (if any!) Kev has left at centre-back.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

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In Part Two of our deep dive with former Southend United goalkeeper Harry Seaden we pick up the story at one of the most turbulent periods in his young career - the Covid era.

Harry opens up candidly about the challenges of navigating football during a global pandemic: the isolation, the uncertainty, and the mental toll of constantly being in and out of the side. He reflects on the frustration of feeling close to establishing himself but never quite getting a consistent run and the moment of clarity that ultimately pushed him to request the termination of his contract in 2021.

From there, Harry charts a remarkable comeback story.

We explore his move to Billericay Town, where he became a record-breaker, playing every single minute of an extraordinary 52-game season across league and cup, a feat of endurance, resilience and professionalism. Harry shares the highs and lows of that campaign, how it rebuilt his confidence and why experiences like that were exactly what he wished he’d had on loan at 18 or 19.

Now donning the gloves for Cray Wanderers, Harry discusses his mission to rebuild his stock in the non-league game and prove himself all over again. He also talks passionately about his role as manager of the Ben Bradford Goalkeeping Academy, the pride he takes in coaching young keepers and how his journey, with all its twists, helps him guide the next generation.

Expect honesty, insight and a powerful look at the realities of bouncing back in football.

This is the conclusion to an unmissable two-part interview and a must-listen for anyone who believes in second chances, hard work, and the fight to carve out a career in the game.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

💬 Follow us @CustardSplatPod for clips, news, and bonus content.

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In Part One of our in-depth chat with former Southend United goalkeeper Harry Seaden we dive into the journey that led him from a young academy prospect to making his professional debut for the Blues. Harry opens up about life in the Southend youth system, the pressures and expectations placed on young keepers, and the standout moments that shaped his development.

We explore his breakthrough into the first-team squad, what it felt like stepping onto the pitch at Roots Hall in front of the Southend crowd and the characters behind the scenes who influenced his growth. Expect honest reflections, untold stories, and a rare behind-the-curtain look at what it really takes to rise through the ranks as a goalkeeper.

This is Part One of an unmissable two-part interview - perfect for Shrimpers fans, academy parents and anyone who loves hearing the real journey of a homegrown talent.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

💬 Follow us @CustardSplatPod for clips, news, and bonus content.

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Southend’s defeat at Carlisle brought frustration, finger-pointing, and a reality check.

Scott and Scot sit down to unpack the performance, talk about managing expectations, and take a firm stand against the abuse directed at players online.

A shorter, no-nonsense episode — honest, grounded, and all about perspective.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

💬 Follow us @CustardSplatPod for clips, news, and bonus content.

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It’s a big one tonight in the National League, Southend United vs Carlisle United and we’ve got a special guest joining us for the build-up!

We're joined by Lee Rooney, co-host of the Brunton Bugle Podcast, to talk all things Carlisle United, their drop into non-league football, and what both sets of fans can expect from this massive clash at Roots Hall.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

💬 Follow us @CustardSplatPod for clips, news, and bonus content.

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