Things are desperately tough for Southend United at the moment, but they’re set to be boosted by the return of Sam Mantom, as reported by the Echo News.
The 27-year-old has missed the last month or two as a result of a hamstring injury picked up after the 2-0 defeat against Brighton Under 21s in the EFL Trophy. Mantom, who joined the club from Scunthorpe in 2018 along with Tom Hopper, is expected to be part of the Under 23 side that plays Leyton Orient’ youth this afternoon.
Jason Demetriou, who played for Cyprus against Scotland earlier this month, is also expected to feature. The experienced full back has started just two matches this season, but as Southend are drawn further into the relegation mire his experience could prove useful.
The Shrimpers have won just one league match all season and are already 11 points from safety after just 18 matches. Below them are Bolton Wanderers, who started the season on minus 12 points; with their games in hand they could overtake Sol Campbell’s side.
Also expected to feature this afternoon is Harry Lennon, the player banished to the Under 23s for heading out on the town with Dover players after the non-league side had knocked Southend out of the FA Cup.
Our View
Right now, Southend could have Kylian Mbappe coming back from injury and it wouldn’t be that exciting. They’re in a rut that is seemingly drawing them towards League Two with every passing second.
Mantom might add value to their side, but he was a regular under Kevin Bond at the start of the season and that wasn’t a great time for the club either.
It’s good to get a body or two back, but they need a miracle if they’re going to stay in League One.
