FORGET Christmas, this is the most wonderful time of the year for Southend.
It is seven years since they last tasted league defeat during the month of November – an unbeaten run now stretching 23 games.
Nile Ranger’s double at Bury last weekend, his first goals for two years, maintained that remarkable statistic with an emphatic 4-1 triumph.
Southend’s last November defeat was 2-0 at Tranmere in 2009. Since then, they have won 15 and drawn eight to pick up 53 points from a possible 69.
Having taken a point at Valley Parade a month ago, they will head into tomorrow’s quick reverse fixture in high spirits after that Gigg Lane success
On the flipside, Southend have not won successive games since February – something experienced centre half Anton Ferdinand feels they have to remedy.
The former Premier League defender said: “If you don’t win back-to-back games, then the win before doesn’t really count for me.
“We need to get a run together and move up the table so that the wins start to count for something. We have a group here which could really start to flourish.”
Southend are discussing a possible deal with former City player Zavon Hines.
The winger impressed Phil Brown in an outing for the under-21s against Wimbledon in midweek.
The Shrimpers boss said: “I’m sure he will be keen to come here because he’s without a club at the moment. There’s no doubting the fact that Zavon has ability.
“His fitness levels aren’t up to those of other lads in the squad – but that’s only to be expected after the injuries he’s had and the lack of games.
“The window is open for him still because he hasn’t been at a club.”
Hines made 41 appearances in City’s historic 2012-13 campaign, including one at Wembley when he came on for Garry Thompson during the Capital One Cup final.
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