Shrimpers Trust Publish Annual Review and Release New Podcasts.
“After some incredibly difficult years, the future of Southend United, both on and off the pitch, is finally looking brighter. As a Trust, we want to embrace that positivity, continue to grow and ensure we become an ever stronger, more inclusive and representative voice for every Southend United supporter.”
Shrimpers Trust Chair, James Schooley
- Shrimpers Trust “Annual Review and Social” was held in the Shrimpers Bar at Roots Hall on Thursday 22nd October.
- At the event, the Trust unveiled their 2025-26 Annual Review publication covering an incredible year of activity, including the launch of the Southend United Museum, 20th year of sponsorship of the Southend United youth teams, and continued work across the community to improve inclusivity and access to football. Digital copies are available here SHRIMPERS TRUST ANNUAL REVIEW with a limited number of physical copies remaining in the Southend United Museum.
- Two Q&A panels were recorded at the Annual Review and Social and packaged as Shrimpers Trust Podcast episodes. The first panel recording is live now, with the second panel recording set to be released on Wednesday 28th October.
- Panel One featured SUFC and COSU Board members John Watson and David Kreyling, and Southend United Community Foundation Chair Dale Spiby, for a discussion related to finance, sustainability, community and youth developmental pathways.
- Panel Two featured Head Coach Kieron Dyer and Head of Recruitment Jonathan Duckett discussing talent ID, player recruitment, coaching and tactics.
Episode one of the Podcast can be download from:
New signings for the 2026/27 season all received their Legacy Numbers on the afternoon of Thursday 22nd October. Club legend Frankie Banks was on hand to present the players with their certificates and to help unveil their plaques in the Southend United Museum.
“For me, it was an evening filled with immense pride. We had the opportunity to reflect on the tremendous work carried out over the past year by a dedicated group of hardworking volunteers, whose efforts have not only delivered some significant achievements but have also begun to modernise the way the Trust operates.”
Shrimpers Trust Chair, James Schooley
About the Shrimpers Trust
- Established in 2000.
- An independent, volunteer-led supporters’ organisation dedicated to representing Southend United supporters, supporting the Club and contributing to the wider community.
About the Southend United Museum
- Opened 14th September in a ceremony attended by the leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council Daniel Cowan, Mayor Tony Cox, with the ribbon cut by legendary former player and manager Steve Tilson.
- Only official club museum in the National League, and one of only a handful outside the Championship.
- Built by over 20 volunteers, in an effort co-ordinated and designed by the Shrimpers Trust.
- Funded by the sale of the old floodlight casings and a substantial financial contribution from the Shrimpers Trust.
- Adjacent to the Club Shop and BTMK Box Office, the museum is open 10am-4pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 10am-3pm on matchdays.
About the Southend United Legacy Numbers Project
- Official heritage initiative chronicling and celebrating every one of Southend United’s 1,300+ first-team players since the club’s foundation 120 years ago in 1906.
- Partnership between Southend United FC, the Shrimpers Trust, the Southend United Ex-Players Association (SUEPA) and the Southend United Historical Society.
- Each player receives a permanent, sequential number based on the precise date and time of their competitive debut, and thus an enduring chronological place in the Southend United’s history.
- Fans can view a display of plaques showcasing the current squad and their Legacy Numbers in the Southend United Museum.