Southend United boss Steve Wignall was pleased to land a home draw against Swindon Town in the first round of the newly named Carling Cup.

And the Shrimpers chief is looking forward to locking horns with an old pal --Robins chief Andy King -- when the Second Division side visit Roots Hall on Wednesday, August 13.

"I played with Andy at Aldershot and it will be nice to meet up with him again," said Wignall.

"He was a good player in his day with Everton and even though he was at the end of his career at Aldershot he still made a big difference in our midfield.

"We were in the same Shots team which beat Wolves in the Fourth Division play-offs back in the 80s and I'm sure we will have a good chat about the old times after the match.

"But before all that we will have a hard game on our hands. Swindon are a division above us and Andy has done a very good job at the County Ground.

"He was under a bit of pressure down there last season, but he gradually turned things around and I think they will do better this year.

"One of the results which helped their transformation was a 6-1 LDV Vans Trophy win over Southend.

"And our fans will be hoping to gain revenge by knocking them out of the League Cup this time round.

"I'm just pleased to get a home draw, you can't ask for more than that, and it would be nice to make progress."

Blues' players return for pre-season training today, three weeks ahead of their opening Roots Hall friendly against First Division Ipswich Town on Tuesday, July 15.

Published Thursday, June 26, 2003

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