The Custard Splat

We touch on the Bring Back the Splat campaign and why identity and heritage still matter at Southend United, before diving into the club’s “Draw Her Into the Game” campaign and the launch of Southend’s first-ever female mascot.On the pitch, we review the draw at York City and the impressive 4–1 win over Eastleigh, then look ahead to a brutal run of five consecutive away games, starting with Boston United.We finish by shouting out the Southend United U18s, who take on Wrexham tonight at Roots Hall in the FA Youth Cup.Up the Splat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by former Southend United defender Che Wilson, a key part of the squad that delivered back-to-back promotions under Steve Tilson and won the League One title in 2006.With this season marking 20 years since that historic title win, Che joins us to relive the memories of one of the most successful eras in Southend United history.We discuss:• The dressing room culture of the Tilson promotion squad• Playing alongside Freddy Eastwood, Mark Gower, Kevin Maher and Adam Barrett• Che’s first professional goal in the 4–1 win over Brentford at Roots Hall• His memorable strike in the Essex Derby against Colchester United at Layer Road• What made the 2005/06 title-winning team so special• The atmosphere around Roots Hall during the promotion runFor Shrimpers fans, this is a nostalgic look back at a team that delivered memories that still live long in the memory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Custard Splat, Scott W and Scott B break down Southend United’s recent results against Truro City and Carlisle United, and ask a serious question…Are Southend becoming a second half team?With another slow start at Roots Hall and a battling point away at Carlisle, the conversation turns to whether the Shrimpers are giving themselves too much to do in games.We also dive into a fascinating Top 8 mini-league, analysing how promotion contenders including Rochdale, York City, Carlisle United, Boreham Wood, Forest Green, Scunthorpe and Halifax have performed against each other this season.The numbers reveal a few uncomfortable truths about Southend’s record against the division’s strongest sides and raise an important question ahead of the run-in.Because if Southend reach the play-offs… these are the teams they will have to beat.Episode includes: Truro 1-1 reactionCarlisle 2-2 analysisThe ongoing goalkeeper discussionThe National League Top 8 mini-leagueCan Southend compete with the promotion contenders?If Southend want promotion, one thing is clear:We can’t keep turning up after half-time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of The Custard Splat podcast we sit down with Olympic medalist and World Champion Fatima Whitbread MBE alongside the inspirational Gina Gardiner.Fatima opens up about her powerful journey growing up in the care system, how sport changed the direction of her life and the path that led her to becoming one of Britain’s greatest athletes. We also discuss the work she’s doing today through Fatima’s UK Campaign, which is dedicated to improving the lives and opportunities of young people growing up in care.Alongside this, Fatima explains why she wanted to get involved with Southend United’s “Draw Her Into The Game” campaign, helping inspire the next generation of girls to get involved in sport.Gina also shares her own incredible story of resilience, determination and empowerment and her passion for helping people believe in themselves and unlock their potential.A powerful and inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, leadership, mindset and creating opportunities for the next generation.Released to mark International Women’s Day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Southend United are into the FA Trophy Semi-Final and it’s officially all gas no brakes as we enter the chaotic month of March.In this episode of "The Splat" we break down the disappointment at Boreham Wood, preview tonight’s huge clash with Truro City, and look ahead to a massive FA Trophy Semi-Final away at Southport.Are Southend built to be a serious cup team?Can this squad handle the relentless March schedule?With Wembley on the horizon and league form still crucial, the Shrimpers are entering the most defining spell of the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Custard Splat: In Conversation with Southend United Chairman Justin ReesThis is the big one.In our most in-depth episode to date, we sit down with Southend United Chairman Justin Rees for a proper, long-form conversation about the future of the football club.With the takeover completed in 2024 and COSU now firmly in control, this episode tackles the questions supporters have been asking around sustainability, promotion, infrastructure, governance and long-term ambition.Chapters🧭 The Five-Year PlanWhen did the clock actually start?What does year five realistically look like?Is promotion built into that timeline?And what does “success” mean inside the boardroom?🏛 COSU & GovernanceHow does the consortium actually operate behind the scenes?Who leads on finance, commercial, infrastructure and football matters?How is investment structured within COSU?And what governance protections are in place?⚽ Director of Football & Football StructureWhy is a Director of Football being explored?What would that role bring?And what would success look like in year one?💰 Budgets, Sustainability & Financial OversightWe discuss the wider National League budget debate (including comparisons with Forest Green Rovers) and what financial sustainability really means for Southend United.What position did COSU inherit?Where does the club stand financially today?What safeguards protect potential Fossett’s Farm development funds?This is about building properly - not just spending loudly.⚖️ Ambition vs Sustainability: Getting The Balance RightHow do you take supporters on the journey of balancing the books after years of financial mismanagement?Is being a sustainable National League club the platform for long-term success in the EFL?How do you avoid repeating past mistakes while still chasing promotion?🏗 Fossett’s Farm & The East StandWhat’s the realistic timeline?How connected are the two projects?What happens if timelines shift?And practically speaking - with 7,000 average home supporters - how would matchdays function during redevelopment?🚻 Roots Hall & Matchday ExperienceFrom facilities to phased improvements - how does the long-term vision align with the week-to-week supporter experience?🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded inside Roots Hall the boys are back in the same room together for the first time in what feels like months.We break down a hugely professional 3-0 win away at Brackley, another goal for Tom Hopper, and the now inevitable “GSM doing GSM things” moment - because at this point, Gus Scott-Morriss scoring is basically law.We also address something that’s been brewing for a while. The reaction to Hopper earlier in the season, the boos, the silence, and what real support actually looks like when a player is struggling. With Southend United back in the National League play-off places, we look at the table, the momentum building, and what this run-in could become.We’re recording this pre Boreham Wood… you’re listening post Boreham Wood. So if we sound clever (or not), that’s on timing.Plus, we tease our upcoming conversation with Chairman Justin Rees.Up the Splat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Southend United 5-1 Morecambe. Five goals. Five different scorers. In Episode 36 of The Custard Splat, Scott W and Scott B react to Southend United’s dominant 5-1 win over Morecambe... arguably the most complete National League performance of the season so far.We break down:• GSM and Harry Boyes proving exactly why the wingback system works (Oli, you’ll have your right of reply 👀)• A huge moment for Tom Hopper as he scores his first goal of the 2025/26 campaign• Why the reaction from his teammates says everything about his standing in the squad• Whether this result finally signals momentum ahead of BrackleySadie is back on the pod too and she’s wearing all the hats.Mum.Sister.Marketing Director.Entrepreneur.And now a key figure in the new HER Soccer Academy.A fresh, confident and unapologetically loud voice in women’s football... and football in general.We talk about the upcoming Southend United Women vs Colchester fixture in May, the new mascot drawing initiative, the growing engagement from groups of young girls, and why visibility matters.Women don’t want preferential treatment in football.They want equal treatment.And here’s the thing, Sadie is just as passionate about the men’s game as she is about the women’s. This isn’t about division. It’s about growth.And don’t forget - we’ll be sitting down with chairman Justin Rees next week. Send us your sensible questions.If you follow Southend United, the National League, or care about the growth of football at every level - this episode is for you.Follow, subscribe and share the Splat.Up the Shrimpers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Southend United’s game at Aldershot was called off just 95 minutes before kick-off and fans were already on the road.In this episode of The Custard Splat, Scott and Oli react to another National League postponement, discuss the communication around waterlogged pitches, and break down the brutal reality of Southend now facing 15 games in 49 days.What does this fixture congestion mean for the Shrimpers’ season, squad fitness, and playoff hopes? And how can the process improve for supporters?If you were travelling to Aldershot, we want to hear from you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Shrimpers travel to Aldershot Town tonight and we break down where the Shrimpers really stand at this stage of the season.Scott & Scott discuss the current form, promotion hopes, strengths and areas for improvement before being joined by Aldershot fan Cobie Ware, who gives us the opposition perspective whilst following The Shots from Ecuador.Match preview, honest reflections, and football stories from the other side of the world.Up the Splat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much does promotion actually cost?Forest Green Rovers have published their numbers and they’re eye-watering.£6.5 million a year on wages alone. Championship-level spending.And here’s the mad bit…Despite all that? They’re right there with us in the same play-off fight.So it got us thinking:Is throwing money at a league the smart way to get out of it?Or is building sustainably, backing good recruitment, culture and togetherness actually the better long-term play?We chat through:What £6.5m wages really means at this levelWhy budgets don’t always equal successThe difference between “buying” promotion vs earning itWhere Southend sit in the picture financiallyAnd whether patience + sustainability might actually win the raceA proper reality check on what we’re up against and why maybe we’re doing things the right way.Because if money guaranteed promotion… the table would look very different. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a tough week for The Shrimpers. A breathless 3–3 draw with Boston United, followed by a late defeat at the hands of Rochdale, has seen Southend slip out of the play-off places and you can feel the mood dip across the fanbase.In this episode we get into what those results really mean, how fragile momentum feels right now, and whether patience is wearing thin.The big question: if COSU are serious about promotion this season, will they back it with investment - or are we expected to make do? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been another busy one at Roots Hall and there’s plenty for us to get stuck into.We talk through Nick Hayes’ move to Hartlepool and what that means behind the scenes, Adam Crowther’s departure to Chelmsford, and the club’s plans to appoint a new Director of Football as the next phase of the rebuild continues.There’s also reaction to the news of Ron Martin being declared bankrupt, what (if anything) it changes for Southend United, and where the club stands now off the pitch.And to finish on a high, we look back at positive progress in the FA Trophy and what it could mean for confidence and momentum going forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Splat is back after a short break over the New Year and there’s plenty to get stuck into as Scott and Scott return to the mics to dissect all the festive football from Roots Hall.From Christmas results to key talking points and performances, the lads break down what we’ve learned over the busiest period of the season and where things are heading next.This episode also features a chat with David Matthews, Marketing Director at Bath City FC, ahead of this weekend’s FA Trophy clash - offering a look at the opposition and the occasion from the other side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re dipping into The Custard Splat archive this New Year’s Day with our full-length interview with Frankie Banks, recorded back in August.Part One of this chat was previously released on Spotify and other podcast platforms, while the full interview was originally a Patreon exclusive. Today we’re opening it up for everyone.Think of this episode as a teaser of the kind of deeper, longer-form content you can expect more of going forward with extended interviews and exclusives continuing over on Patreon.Settle in, enjoy the full conversationvand we’ll be back soon with brand-new episodes.Up the Shrimpers 🦐 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our final episode before Christmas and we’re signing off for the festive break in true Custard Splat style.Scott, OG and Scott B look back on the defeat to Tamworth... asking whether it’s just a frustrating blip or a warning sign as the play-off picture tightens. Are we in danger of slipping out… and could that actually provide the spark this squad needs?We’ll be back following the Boxing Day game when we’ll have absolutely no idea what day it is.Merry Custard Splatmas… and up the Shrimpers 🎙️💙 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scott W and OG break down the emphatic 4-0 FA Trophy win over Truro City, discussing how seriously the competition should be taken and what a decent cup run could mean for league form and momentum.Later in the show, Sadie (aka Mrs Scott W) makes an emergency loan-signing appearance on the pod, bringing with her a completely non–fact-checked quiz to put OG and Scott to the test. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of The Splat we dive straight into the drama surrounding Southend United’s abandoned clash with Rochdale. We break down what happened, the implications and the reaction around the fanbase.We also discuss the long-awaited return of Harry Cardwell to the club. What does his comeback mean for the squad? How will he fit into the current system? And what can supporters expect from him this time around? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sitting 7th in the league we find ourselves in a strange spot: competitive, organised, hard to beat… but also looking up at clubs with significantly bigger budgets, including the likes of Forest Green, York, Rochdale, and Carlisle.And this poses the central question of the episode:Is this genuinely our level right now - our “glass floor” - or are COSU capable of breaking beyond it without financial firepower? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Custard Splat is back with another packed episode! Scott W and Oli (OG) take the mic this week to break down a brilliant few weeks for the Shrimpers, including the 0–1 win away at Yeovil and a dominant 3–0 performance against Altrincham at Roots Hall.But it’s not all smooth sailing. With Harry Taylor suspended and Ben Goodliffe a major doubt after a tight hamstring, Scott and OG dig into the very real possibility of a defensive crisis, and what options (if any!) Kev has left at centre-back.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.💬 Follow us @CustardSplatPod for clips, news, and bonus content. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.