Club Overview
Full Name: Southend United Football Club
Nickname: The Shrimpers
Founded: 1906
League: National League
Ground: Roots Hall
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Colours: Blue & White
Southend United are one of the biggest and most historic clubs in the National League. Founded in 1906, the Shrimpers spent over 100 years in the Football League and enjoyed spells in the Championship during the 1990s and 2000s. Despite financial difficulties and relegation from the EFL in 2021, Southend remain one of the best-supported clubs outside the Football League and continue to attract crowds that many League Two clubs would envy.
Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1906 |
| Nickname | The Shrimpers |
| Ground | Roots Hall |
| Capacity | 12,392 |
| Opened | 1955 |
| Postcode | SS2 6NQ |
| League | National League |
| Club Colours | Blue & White |
| Record Attendance | 31,033 |
Southend joined the Football League in 1920 and spent more than a century as a league club before dropping into the National League in 2021.
Stadium Guide
Roots Hall
Ground Information
- Capacity: 12,392
- Opened: 1955
- Surface: Natural Grass
- Address: Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 6NQ
- Largest football stadium in Essex
Roots Hall is one of the most famous grounds outside the Football League. Built on the site of a former sand quarry, it has been Southend’s home since 1955 and remains one of the most atmospheric stadiums in the National League.
Record Attendance
31,033 vs Liverpool
FA Cup Third Round
10 January 1979.
Stadium Highlights
- Far Post Club supporters’ bar
- West Stand
- South Stand
- North Bank
- East Stand
- Traditional floodlit atmosphere
Roots Hall is one of the few remaining large traditional football grounds still hosting non-league football.
Club History
Southend United was founded on 19 May 1906 and initially competed in the Southern League before becoming a founding member of the Football League’s Third Division in 1920.
The club spent much of its history in the lower divisions but enjoyed major success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Under manager David Webb, Southend achieved back-to-back promotions and reached the second tier of English football for the first time in 1991.
Another golden period arrived in the mid-2000s. Steve Tilson guided the Shrimpers to League Two play-off success in 2005 before winning the League One title the following season. During this era Southend famously defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the League Cup thanks to a memorable goal from Freddy Eastwood.
The club later endured serious financial difficulties that resulted in relegation from the Football League in 2021 and several years of uncertainty. However, a consortium takeover in 2024 helped secure the club’s future and sparked renewed optimism among supporters.
Southend continue to be regarded as one of the National League’s biggest clubs and remain determined to return to the EFL. Recently, former England international Kieron Dyer was appointed manager as part of that ambition.
Honours
League Honours
- League One Champions (2005/06)
- League Two Play-Off Winners (2004/05)
- League Two Play-Off Winners (2014/15)
- Fourth Division Champions (1980/81)
- Third Division Runners-Up (1990/91)
Regional Honours
- Essex Senior Cup Winners
- Essex Professional Cup Winners
Southend’s 2005–06 League One title remains one of the club’s greatest achievements.
Club Records
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1906 |
| Ground Capacity | 12,392 |
| Record Attendance | 31,033 |
| Highest League Level | Championship |
| Football League Membership | 1920–2021 |
| Stadium Opened | 1955 |
Famous Players
- Freddy Eastwood
- Stan Collymore
- Adam Barrett
- Anton Otulakowski
- Simon Cox
- Phil Gridelet
Freddy Eastwood remains one of the most iconic players in modern Southend history thanks to his goals during the club’s promotion-winning era.
Rivalries
Main Rivals
- Colchester United
- Leyton Orient
- Gillingham
- Dagenham & Redbridge
The Essex derby against Colchester United is one of the fiercest rivalries in lower-league football and regularly attracts large crowds.
Matchday Guide
Getting There
By Train
- Prittlewell Station is approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the ground.
- Southend Victoria Station is around 10 minutes away.
By Car
- Accessible via the A127 and A13.
- Town-centre parking available around the stadium.
Food & Drink
- Far Post Club
- Matchday kiosks
- Numerous pubs around Southend town centre
Nearby Attractions
- Southend Pier
- Adventure Island
- Southend Seafront
- Cliffs Pavilion
- Sealife Adventure
Few National League clubs can offer a seaside away day quite like Southend United.
What Makes Southend United Special?
One of Non-League’s Biggest Clubs
Southend regularly attract attendances that rival or exceed many Football League clubs. Their fanbase remains one of the largest in the National League.
Roots Hall
A genuine football landmark, Roots Hall is one of the most historic and atmospheric stadiums outside the EFL.
The Great Escape
The club’s survival following years of financial turmoil has strengthened the bond between supporters and club, creating one of football’s most passionate fanbases.