Busy time for the Blues

It's been a busy period for Southend United and longpier over the past week. Lots of news coming out of Roots Hall - details are below. Also we've been testing the new LONGPIER LIVE Skypecast - a new, easy and FREE interactive discussion show, starting on the first day of the new season. If you haven't seen the details click here and have your say on Southend's season.
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Squad numbers have been released - there are notable gaps which Steve Tilson will be looking to fill in the next 7 days.
1. Steve Mildenhall
2. Simon Francis
3.
4. Nicky Bailey
5. Peter Clarke
6. Adam Barrett
7.
8. Alan McCormack
9. Lee Barnard
10. James Walker
11. Alex Revell
12. Damian Scannell
13.
14. Franck Moussa
15. Osei Sankofa
16.
17.
18. Johnny Herd
19.
20. Matt Harrold
21.
22. Richie Foran
23.
24. Ian Joyce
25. Clark Masters
29. Paul Furlong
30. Stuart O'Keefe

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Southend were shaken by the news that star midfielder Alan McCormack will miss the start of the season because he needs an operation on his knee. The 24-year-old has suffered torn cartilage and will undergo surgery on Friday 1st August, with a view to return to action in around eight weeks.
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Anthony Grant looks set to sign for the Shrimpers before the start of the new season. Grant, 21, spent the second half of last season on loan at Roots Hall and is available on a free transfer from Chelsea.

Grant started his career at Stamford Bridge as a trainee and made his Blues debut in May 2005 against Manchester United. He has also had loan spells with Wycombe, Oldham and Luton.
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Southend boss Steve Tilson has issued a rallying cry to supporters ahead of the new season. Tilly was upset at comments made on fans site Shrimperzone, where supporters bemoaned the lack of signings.
Speaking to the official website, he said:

"There has been a bit of negativity surrounding the club recently.

"We haven't got a big squad but if we can make some more signings things will start to look more positive."

The club have had planning approval for a new stadium and Tilson praised the work of chairman Ron Martin.

He added: "To his credit he is trying to take the football club forwards and a brand new stadium is going to do that. That is a big incentive for everyone to get behind him and the team."
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Southend United have chosen not to sign Jamie Clapham, following his trial with the Roots Hall outfit. The 32-year-old former Ipswich, Birmingham and Wolves left-back was set to feature in the Blues' pre-season match with Chelmsford City. However, manager Steve Tilson told the club's website Clapham would not be a part of his plans for the new season.
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BBC Essex will no longer offer full commentary of Blues' away matches. The station has decided to cut their sporting offering on a Saturday. A petition has been started and the matter now involves MPs and Five Live controllers.