Southend United boss Rob Newman said he expected a stiff test from big spending Hull City at Roots Hall tomorrow.

The Tigers, managed by former Shrimpers manager and star Peter Taylor, have spent more than £500,000 on players in an attempt to climb out of the basement league.

Newman and the new man - Southend manager Rob Newman welcomes loan signing Stephen Kelly to the club Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

But flashing the cash has done the Humbersiders little favours so far, with 13th-placed Hull just one spot above cash-strapped Blues on goal difference in the Third Division table.

"Hull are a massive club and have spent a lot of money to try and win promotion," said Newman.

"They have a brand new stadium, which is nearly always full, and a mark of their ambition is that they have already had two managers this season.

"Hull have the potential to climb up to the very top of the league ladder and they are much too big a club for the Third Division.

"What we need to be aiming for is two wins from this game and next week's home match against Bristol Rovers.

"We are still only three points adrift of the promotion picture and maximum spoils from both games will catapult us into the thick of it all again."

And Newman was relaxed about former Blues striker Daniel Webb's first return to Roots Hall as a Hull player.

The 19-year-old son of ex-Southend chief David moved north in December and accused Newman of freezing him out of his plans.

"Daniel found it hard to settle here once his dad had left the club," added Newman.

Darryl Flahavan could replace Daniel Gay in goal tomorrow after recovering from a thigh injury.

But defenders Phil Whelan (knee), Stephen Broad (hernia) and striker Graeme Jones (calf) are all out.

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Published Friday, January 31, 2003

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