Yeovil Town manager Billy Rowley has warned his unbeaten side not to become complacent as they prepare to face Southend United, one of the National League’s promotion favourites.
The Glovers travel to Southend this weekend having opened the season with five games without defeat. Their latest results produced a maximum return from the August Bank Holiday weekend, with Yeovil beating Barrow away last Friday before edging past Tamworth at home on Monday.
Rowley said the Southend fixture was a game that should motivate his players, but stressed that a strong start would count for little unless the team maintained its work rate.
“I said to the lads after training this is one of the games which motivates you so much. I think Southend are a brilliant club, I think Kieron is going to be an incredible manager, stylistically they have some really good ideas. So it is going to be a really good test for us.”
Southend are now managed by former Newcastle United winger Kieron Dyer. Rowley believes the hosts’ style will make the match unlike the tests Yeovil have faced so far, with Southend playing a more possession-based game and using wingers.
Rowley rejects idea of a ‘free hit’
Although Southend are expected to challenge for promotion, Rowley said Yeovil would travel with the intention of competing rather than simply treating the match as an opportunity with no pressure.
“They are more possession-based, they play with wingers now and they are really exciting to watch, so this is going to be very different test to any we have had so far in an incredible stadium with a great set of fans. I am very much looking forward to this game, I don’t want to say it is going to be ‘a free hit’ because it is not, but we are going to a team that is expected to go up – but why not go there and have a go?”
Southend’s recent results have included a 1-1 draw at Woking on Monday and a 3-1 home defeat against newly promoted Kidderminster Harriers on Friday night. However, Rowley said those scorelines did not tell the full story of the Shrimpers’ performances.
He pointed to Southend’s early chances in both matches and said the results were probably undeserved because the team had failed to convert important opportunities. The manager said Yeovil had experienced similar situations last season and would not read too much into the hosts’ two recent results.
Southend have also added Bristol Rovers striker Promise Omochere to their squad. The 25-year-old completed his move on Wednesday and is available to face Yeovil.
Yeovil squad depth praised after busy weekend
Rowley admitted Yeovil’s performance against Tamworth was not their best, but said the match still gave supporters value for money. He was also encouraged by the number of players able to step into the team and contribute when required.
“We have a really good group which is willing to step in when called upon and deliver. I don’t think it was our best performance against Tamworth, but the fans got their money’s worth. I have learnt we have a great squad, some decent depth and a great set of lads, so from a selection perspective it is good.”
The manager described the National League as relentless and acknowledged that Yeovil had benefited from moments of fortune in some of their early matches. He said the team’s results might have looked less impressive had those games ended in draws, but added that the division’s unpredictability was part of its appeal.
“There are so many reasons fans love this division, anyone can beat anyone, every team has match-winners, so nothing surprises me. I know we have a good set of lads who are ready to attack any game.”
Joe Haigh injury update
Rowley also provided an update on midfielder Joe Haigh, who joined Yeovil during the summer. The former Dagenham & Redbridge player underwent surgery on an ankle injury during the summer.
The manager said Haigh was expected to return to training with the ball at his feet in the near future, but would need longer before taking part in full-contact sessions. Haigh was due to see a specialist, with further information expected afterwards.
“In terms of being in training with the ball I would think he is close, but he is probably three or four weeks away from being out there and getting tackled.”
Rowley said the club had been impressed by Haigh’s ability but did not want to rush his return. The priority, he said, was to reintroduce the midfielder when he was ready.