Southend United's Anthony Straker is shocked by Aldershot’s struggles (From Echo)

Southend United's Anthony Straker is shocked by Aldershot’s struggles

1:00pm Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND United left-back Anthony Straker is shocked to see his former Aldershot Town struggling towards the foot of the League Two table – but he hopes to add to their problems tonight.

The Shots arrive at Roots Hall second from bottom in the standings having not won since September.

And Straker, who will cost Blues £17,500 following yesterday’s verdict at a Professional Football Compensation Committee meeting, does not want that wretched run of results to end just yet.

“I want Aldershot to do well this season but only after tonight’s game,” said the 24-year-old defender, who played 222 games during five years with the Shots.

“We want to get back to winning ways after losing at Morecambe and I would be very happy if the manager picked me again.

“If that happens it will be a bit weird playing against my old team for the first time and I don’t know what to expect.

“A few players went after last season and they’re playing a few different formations to try to find one that works.

“But they still have some good players there, so while I’m surprised to see them struggling I know it will be a hard game for us.”

Straker joined Blues from the Shots during the summer but the two clubs had been unable to agree on a compensation package.

That led to yesterday’s committee meeting which also decided Southend will have to pay a further £5,000 if they win promotion this season or next.

And, after making a shaky start at Roots Hall, Straker is now keen to prove his worth to the team.

“It was always going to take time to settle at a new club with new players but I think things are coming together now,” said Straker.

“I’ve been getting a few more games recently and hopefully there is more to come.”

Straker will be hoping to again be preferred to Mark Phillips for tonight’s game, but midfielder Michael Timlin is rated “extremely doubtful” after suffering an ankle injury at Morecambe on Saturday.

John Spicer and Alex Woodyard are in contention to replace him, while Freddy Eastwood and Jonson Clarke-Harris are also pushing for recalls.

However, Luke Prosser has again been ruled out with a buttock injury.

Southend (from): Smith, Clohessy, Cresswell, Barker, Straker, Tomlin, Leonard, Spicer, Hurst, Eastwood, Assombalonga, Martin, Coughlan, Clarke-Harris, Phillips, Bentley, Benyon, Woodyard & Paxman.