I wrote Part 1 of Southend United Football Club – end of season 2025/26 reflections (see here) three weeks ago, realising there were a least two important games left to play.

Just a few days later, SUFC played the first of these games and lost, and once more their hope to get back into the Football League was ended. Eventually, Rochdale won the play-offs and given they came so close to winning the hard to escape from National League and were so far ahead the third placed team, I can’t help siding with those who felt that justice had been done.

But today, SUFC played their second important game – the FA Trophy Final and won – even though it came down to a penalty shoot-out after a goal less draw in a not too exciting game. I would love to had seen them play but I had to be satisfied with Radio commentary. They had to win six rounds in total in order to lift the trophy, so well done you Blues! The local support for the team, not just in this game but throughout the season, has been magnificent. Notwithstanding my own allegiance, it makes me think that it would be a travesty if they don’t get promotion next (2026/27) season.

But there is still much more football to come before the summer is over. Arsenal and Manchester City are well ahead of the pack in the Premiership and I hope Arsenal, who have narrowly lost out in recent previous seasons, will win that league. Manchester City manged, deservedly, to win yesterday’s FA Cup final and I hope Arsenal will be able to do the same in the European Cup final on 30 May. Then there is the relegation battles, notably between Spurs and West Ham (two old favourites) and finding out which one of these will drop. And then soon after the English season is over, there is the Jewel in the Football Crown – the World Cup. While I am not expectant, nor have the enthusiasm I once had, I would love England to win the World Cup, which they last won in 1966!