Southend United manager Rob Newman made it crystal clear he is taking tonight's LDV Vans Trophy first round trip to Swindon Town very seriously.

Newman, a trophy winner in 1986, said he would take great satisfaction from seeing Blues emulate his success.

"Some people don't like this competition, but it has given me some great memories and we will be taking it seriously," said the Shrimpers' boss.

"I got to the final twice with Bristol City, winning it once, and made the area final with Southend a couple of seasons ago. It would be great for my set of players to taste the same success.

"But we will need to motivate ourselves at Swindon as this competition doesn't really get going until the semi-final stage."

Swindon are struggling in Division Two, but Newman said the Robins would be plotting a morale boosting win over his team.

"Swindon are having a bad time, but they are a division above us and will be a difficult prospect on their own pitch," he added.

"However, this game gives my players a chance to get the frustration of Saturday's 1-0 League defeat at Swansea City out of their systems quickly.

"It is a welcome break from the pressure of picking up League points."

Hitman Graeme Jones returns from a one game ban, but Tes Bramble is still struggling with a hamstring injury. Another hamstrung Blues striker, Mark Rawle, has started training, but will not play.

However, Southend have completed the free transfer signing of 22-year-old Frome Town forward Mark Salter, who goes into the squad.

Defender David McSweeney will come back into contention and 36-year-old player-coach Steve Tilson could make a surprise midfield comeback.

More on Southend United FC

What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board.

Published Tuesday October 22, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Echo