The team was also made up without a single striker
Published: 15:42, 16 Dec 2023Updated: 15:42, 16 Dec 2023
FANS have slammed the National League after Southend only named one substitute on their bench to face Bromley.
The Shrimpers team was short of numbers ahead of the match against the Ravens at Roots Hall.
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Southend only named a match-day squad of 12 playersCredit: Getty
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Only Mauro Vilhete made it onto the benchCredit: Southend
But just how short was revealed as the team sheets were released before kick-off.
Southend manager Kevin Maher named his starting eleven, including former West Ham goalkeeper David Martin and Notts County ace Noor Husin.
However, it was the bench, or lack of it, that caught the eye of fans.
Midfielder Mauro Vilhete was the only player that Maher could turn to, as he was the one and only substitute.
The team’s graphic was even edited to read just “Sub” rather than the usual “Subs”.
To make matters worse, the team did not include a single striker due to top scorer Harry Cardwell picking up a knee injury.
Fans have vented their frustrations at the National League on social media.
One fan fumed: “It’s ridiculous.”
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A second commented: “Absolute farce this.”
A third wrote: “One sub really?”
A fourth posted: “One sub. Thanks National League.”
A fifth said: “Ridiculous we’re not allowed to promote our youth players!”
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Kevin Maher is finding it ‘difficult’ to add to his teamCredit: Rex
Another added: “‘Sub’ cos we only have one.”
Southend have been hit by off-the-field problems this season and have been hit with a transfer embargo forbidding the arrival of new signings.
Before the match, Maher said that the club are trying to fix the issues with squad depth but admitted that it is “difficult” at this time.
He said: “They’re conversations that we’ll have to have.
“We want to sign good players and at this time of year, it’s difficult to get players in.
“We’ll be looking, and if we can do something, then we will.”
In November, Southend only had two players on the bench but still managed to win their game against Chesterfield.
The previous month the club released a statement confirming they have reached an agreement for the sale of the club with a consortium led by Australian Justin Rees.
Ahead of the clash against Bromley, Southend were 16th in the National League.
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