There’s something almost magical about flipping through the pages of Southend United Football Club: The Official History of the Blues. From the outset, Mason and Goody’s work stands out as the definitive chronicle for any true Blues supporter. The book begins with Southend United’s humble formation in 1906—a group of men with muddy boots and bigger dreams—before taking the reader on a detailed journey right up to 1994. It’s not just a dry list of facts and dates, either. The narrative pulses with the energy of matchdays at Roots Hall, the agony of near misses, and the euphoria of famous victories. Lavishly illustrated, the book is as much a visual feast as it is a written one. Flick through, and you’ll find rare photographs, many unseen elsewhere, capturing moments as varied as team line-ups from the roaring twenties to the gritty eighties. There are candid shots of legendary ex-players standing shoulder to shoulder and team photos that span generations—faces that might just include one of your relatives, if you look closely enough. The sense of community, of shared history, leaps off every page. What’s particularly impressive is the thoroughness of the statistical section—around 150 pages dedicated to results, line-ups, and every season’s narrative twists. Whether you’re a stats obsessive or a casual reader, there’s something deeply satisfying about tracing the club’s fortunes across the decades, seeing the names of managers, players, and trainers who shaped Southend’s story. It’s a testament to the meticulous research and genuine affection Mason and Goody have for the club. We purchased this large, formatted volume at our own expense, recognising its importance. To preserve its first-class condition, we’ve applied our Archival Dust Jacket System, as shown in the accompanying photographs. It’s a book that deserves to be cherished—whether you’re a lifelong Shrimpers fan, a collector of football history, or simply searching for a personal connection in one of the hundreds of evocative images. Are you, or perhaps a loved one, among those faces in the crowd? Southend United Football Club: The Official History of the Blues is more than a book. It’s a living archive—a love letter to the roots, the pride, and the people of Southend United. ROYAL MAIL 2ND CLASS
Publisher: Yore Publications (ceased trading) Published: 1993 Price: £19.99 Hardcover: 320 pages Lavishly illustrated Postal Weight: 1350g UK Postage: £3.35
