Southend United today vowed to press on with their search for a club band -- despite the hiring of a jazz quartet hitting a bum note with supporters.

Big Al's Jazzers were hired at the 11th hour to drum up some Roots Hall atmosphere in last Friday's clash with chart-topping Hartlepool.

But the baffled veteran foursome were moved on to the North Stand at half-time amid complaints from the West Stand that they were too loud.

Band on the Run - Big Al's Jazzers (right) move on after being red-carded by Blues fans Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

One West Stand season ticket holder, David Geach, said: "Most people were totally distracted by the live music and for many it ruined the game."

Blues Commercial manager Brian Wheeler admitted: "They did a good job at short notice, but they were not really what we were looking for.

"They didn't know any football songs and we had to talk them out of doing 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' as we didn't think our fans would take too kindly to a West Ham song!

"What we wanted was a bit more humour. Say if a Hartlepool player got injured they could have played the Death March or a police siren. I don't think we'll be asking them to come back.

"What we are looking for now is some musical Blues fans to come forward and form their own band like the one which follows England."

Big Al was unaware of his lack of harmony with the fans but said: "It didn't help that Hartlepool scored in the first minute. Still, at least the Hartlepool fans clapped us off at the end."

Blues are looking for musical wannabes to form a band and interested parties should contact the commercial department on 01702 304050.

Published Thursday October 31, 2002

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