Southend United open their 2026-27 preparations with a high-profile pre-season friendly against West Ham United at Roots Hall on Saturday afternoon, as Kieron Dyer targets an immediate return to the Football League. The Blues, now 6th in the England National League with 81 points from 46 games, will face the Hammers in a clash that doubles as a warm-up for both sides ahead of the new campaign.
What’s the occasion?
West Ham’s pre-season schedule includes a trip to Essex to face Southend, their first competitive action since relegation from the Premier League last term. The Hammers finished 18th in the 2025-26 top-flight table - two points behind Tottenham Hotspur - and now prepare for life back in the Championship. Nuno Espirito Santo remains in charge, with the club among the early favourites to win the second tier this season.
Southend, meanwhile, are managed by Kieron Dyer, the 33-time England international who took over after Kevin Maher’s exit following the Blues’ FA Trophy triumph at Wembley in May. The Essex outfit beat Wealdstone 0-0 in their last outing on May 17, extending a recent run of just one win in their last five games (DDLLW).
Who’s starting for Southend?
Southend have made nine new signings this summer, including Rayan Oyebade on loan from West Ham. Vontae Daley-Campbell arrives from Chesterfield, while Anthony Hartigan and Daniel Cox are also expected to feature. Charley Kendall, who signed a new contract until 2027, should start up front.
West Ham bring Jarrod Bowen back from England duty, though his long-term future remains uncertain. Niclas Fullkrug starred in a behind-closed-doors win over Colchester United on Tuesday, and could again feature at Roots Hall.
Why this friendly matters for Southend
For Southend, every pre-season fixture counts as they chase promotion back to the Football League. The Blues have spent five straight campaigns in the National League since dropping out of League Two in 2020-21, and Dyer’s side sit 27 points behind York in the title race with a goal difference of +36.
The clash against West Ham also offers a chance to test new recruits like Oyebade, who could face his parent club. With fixtures against Northampton Town, Leyton Orient and Aveley still to come before the August 8 opener at Altrincham, every minute counts.
What’s next for both sides?
West Ham continue their pre-season with friendlies against Stevenage, Rangers and Magdeburg before hosting Portsmouth in the EFL Cup on August 8. Their Championship opener away to Burnley follows eight days later.
Southend, meanwhile, face a trio of National League rivals in their final warm-ups before the season curtain-raiser. The Blues have scored 83 goals this term but conceded 47, leaving Dyer to tighten a defence that shipped 11 losses in 46 games.
League standing: 6th in England National League, 81 pts, 23W-12D-11L from 46 games, recent form WLWWD.
