Southend Ladies football club could be enjoying a brighter future if closer links with Southend United come to fruition.
The 14-year-old club may be having a tough time in this season's Greater London Premier League, but off the field the first steps towards a partnership with the Shrimpers are looking promising.
Blues manager Rob Newman has taken the first team for a training session, and the girls are looking forward to taking on Tottenham Hotspur at Roots Hall later this season.
And manager Lisa Hart, who founded the club, reckons that a tie-in with the area's senior team will be just the lift they need.
"We have been struggling this season and we are looking for a few players, and it seems like we cannot go any further on our own," she said.
"But there is so much scope here, and we have seen how other sides with links to a men's club have progressed.
"It gives a higher profile and attracts better players."
On their travels this season the Southend squad have seen the difference a link-up could make for them.
"We went to Leyton Orient and played at Brisbane Road," she said. "They had lots of supporters -- getting crowds of 2-300.
"In the Essex area we could become a leading force along with Chelmsford and Dagen-ham -- but they both have links to their men's sides.
"It's a different world for them, so we want to be known as Southend United Ladies and become part of that club."
Anyone interested in playing for the team -- especially strikers -- should call Lisa on 07771 928668.
Published Friday, January 24, 2003
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