Southend United manager Kevin Dyer and goalkeeper Joe Duncan looked ahead to Friday's National League fixture against Kidderminster Harriers in a press conference covered by the Southend Echo. Dyer confirmed a fully fit squad apart from Rico Richards and discussed ongoing transfer activity as the team aims for a fourth consecutive win.
New goalkeeper Joe Duncan has enjoyed a perfect introduction to life at Southend United. The shot-stopper, who joined the club this summer, has kept clean sheets in his first three appearances, including a penalty save. He told the press conference, "I think it's pretty much been the perfect start. Three wins on the bounce, you can't really ask for much more."
Duncan credits the team's style of play with improving his distribution and says he has settled quickly, living with teammates Rayan and Coco. His form has also boosted his hopes of an international call-up, with the goalkeeper targeting a place in the Jamaica squad due to his family heritage. He cites Manuel Neuer and Gianluigi Buffon as his role models.
Manager Kevin Dyer provided a positive fitness report ahead of the weekend. "Rico is the only injury," Dyer said, confirming the attacking midfielder is beginning rehabilitation after bruising on his hamstring subsided. This leaves Southend with a fully available selection, a situation Dyer described as "really pleasing."
With the squad at his disposal, Dyer revealed he already knows his starting line-ups for the next three matches, barring any fresh injuries. He plans to rotate players to keep the team fresh. The manager also highlighted the improved fitness levels within the squad, noting the team has covered over 110 kilometres in each game this season, a metric often associated with winning performances in the Championship.
Dyer confirmed that Southend United remain active in the transfer market as they seek to bolster what he believes is the smallest squad in the National League. "There are still targets and talks," he stated, indicating a busy period ahead once the English Football League transfer window closes.
The manager suggested the club could move quickly for targets deemed surplus to requirements at EFL clubs. Forward Samson Tovide, who has been training with the team, is one of several options, though Dyer stressed "it's not all about him." The club is monitoring players in multiple positions to add depth for the campaign ahead.
Dyer expects a tough challenge against Kidderminster Harriers, acknowledging that Southend often faces opponents at their best. "I do feel that Southend have a target on their backs," he admitted, citing the club's stature in the division. He believes if his team performs near the level shown in the 3-0 win over Scunthorpe United, they can have a "comfortable evening."
The manager is excited for the atmosphere under the Roots Hall floodlights and anticipates a larger crowd than the season opener. He has prepared the team with new tactical patterns this week to keep opponents guessing. The next match after Kidderminster is a trip to Dagenham & Redbridge on Monday, September 7th, a quick turnaround detailed on the fixtures list.
Dyer emphasised a club-wide approach, detailing his commitment to watching Southend's under-23 and women's teams when the schedule allows. He recalled how important it felt as a young player to see the first-team manager attend youth games and wants to provide that same boost. Several academy players, including goal-scorer Olly, have been involved with first-team training sessions this season.
The manager's philosophy is that all teams within the club are connected. Supporting the academy and women's side is a priority for Dyer, who wants every team at Southend United to be successful. The first team currently sits in the top six of the National League, and fans can follow the standings as the season progresses. Southend's next home game is against Kidderminster Harriers on Friday, September 4th.
