Roots & All Tales from fans of Southend United FC
In the shadow of the pier, where the Thames meets the sea, a story has quietly unfolded across generations. Not the grand saga of global football giants, but something deeper – a shared history of loyalty, laughter, hope, heartbreak, and belonging.
Spearheaded by the Southend United Ex-Players Association (SUEPA), Roots & All is a one-of-a-kind collaboration: over 40 Southend United supporters coming together to share their memories, emotions, and matchday magic.
Inside, you won’t find a traditional history of fixtures and formations. Instead, this is a heartfelt celebration of what it means to follow a club through thick and thin – from packed terraces and cup upsets to away days, last-minute winners, and moments of quiet, stubborn optimism.
The stories stretch across the decades – from the earliest days of Roots Hall when Sid’s hand-built South Bank rose above the mud, through the rise of King Billy in the ‘60s, the up-and-down years that followed, and the bright sparks of the ‘90s glory days (with a brush against financial ruin), to the modern-era highs and heartbreaks: the post-millennium renaissance under Tilly when he made Fergie chew his gum that bit harder, Wembley’s miracle, and the flickering candle of recent seasons.
Some writers have seen it all. Others have joined more recently. Each one brings their unique voice – from terrace poets to exiles abroad, matchday volunteers to lifelong season ticket holders. What they share is a deep-rooted love for a football club that’s more than just a name – it’s a way of life.
Roots & All is football in its purest form: not about boardrooms or balance sheets, but about people. The people who turn up, rain or shine. Who sing, suffer, and celebrate.
Whether you stood on the North Bank for fifty years or are just discovering what makes this club special, this book is for you. Each writer was given free rein to tell their story, in their own words, in their own style – honest, raw, funny, and moving.
Pre-order & Subscriber Details
We anticipate the book will be published in August 2025. If you order before 1 June 2025, your name will appear in the book as a subscriber. You can also name your favourite Southend United player, which will appear alongside your name.
- Format: Paperback
- Price: £10 (plus P&P)
- Order now by clicking here
All Profits to the SUEPA Fund
After covering publishing costs, all profits will go to the SUEPA Fund, a ringfenced account within the Shrimpers Trust. Ultimately, we hope to fund a future Southend United Museum at Roots Hall – keeping our rich heritage alive for generations to come.
Andrew Leeder & Paul FitzGerald
Co-editors, Roots & All