I had the privilege of travelling to Southend from my home in Lexington, Kentucky, this past Saturday to watch Southend United take on Rochdale.

My best mate from law school had introduced me to Justin Rees and we had become friends.

A group of us came from the States was excited to visit your community and share in the festivities of a football Saturday.

I was blown away by the hospitality and support from the fans that made me and my friends travelling in from the United States feel like one of their own.

I wanted to write this letter to thank everyone that I had the privilege of meeting.

From walking to Roots Hall in the morning to load up on Shrimpers merchandise and chatting with Liam, the awesome lad that runs the merchandise shop, I felt instantly welcome.

We then made our way to the Blue Boar, who opened their lovely pub at 9am with maybe the best bacon sandwich I have ever had.

From getting to hang out with Andy and his son Harlee (who is adorable and the biggest Shrimpers fan), to having pints with Joe “Ozzie” Osbourne, or learning the SUFC songs from Erin, everyone I met was so incredibly kind, hospitable, and joyful.

It was evident that the passion for this football club runs deep. For an American that has been privileged to attend many sporting events, I can easily say that this experience was the best.

While the match wasn’t what we wanted, it is clear that the Shrimpers are heading in the right direction, led by Justin Rees and the other fantastic members of the consortium (who could not have been more kind, gracious, and welcoming, from Tom, to John, and to Ian, and his awesome brother Jimmy).

I just wanted to thank you for making an American feel right at home in your wonderful town and getting to spend a day as an honorary member in the Blue Army.

Go Shrimpers!

Nate Simon

Tahoma Road, Lexington, Kentucky