TONY Gale is looking forward to a ‘traditional fixture’ being restored at Roots Hall tonight.

Southend United face West Ham United’s under 23 side in their latest pre-season friendly this evening.

And former Hammers defender Gale is expecting another enjoyable encounter.

“It won’t be the West Ham first team which is a shame but this has always been a good traditional fixture,” said Gale, who made 368 appearances for the Irons.

“I remember playing against Southend and I remember playing them when we were in the same league as well.

“But there are a lot of fans who follow both Southend and West Ham so I think it will be a fun night.”

Blues beat Great Wakering Rovers 2-0 in their first pre-season friendly on Tuesday as Phil Brown’s side continue to prepare for life in the National League.

But Gale, who watched the Shrimpers while reporting for Sky Sports last season, knows it will be tough for Blues to bounce back at the first attempt following back to back relegations.

“I was at Southend a few times last season and it was sad what’s happened to them,” said Gale.

“I love my lower league football and a pal of mine, Alan Devonshire, is manager of Maidenhead in the National League.

“He’s said it will be difficult for a team coming down from League Two to really hit the ground running.

“But it’s important that Phil and his side try to do that.

“They need to get accustomed to the lie of the land at that level and start getting results.”

In stark contrast, West Ham finished sixth in the Premier League last season.

And Gale believes the fine campaign will be tough to follow.

“It will be hard to build on last season, especially without Jesse Lingard,” said Gale.

“He was a key player in the last third of the season.

“It’s up to David Moyes to get in that transfer market and get something we haven’t really got in another Jesse Lingard but that’s not easy in today’s market.”

>Tony Gale will be joining Paul Walsh, Paul Parker and Frank McAvennie on BT Sport’s Angling Outlaws show early in 2022 – filmed in the heart of Essex’s finest fishing locations.

With the help of Outlaw Pro, the four former pros will be trying their hand at fishing, with the quadruplet facing off at the end of the six-part series to see who knows their slide tackles from their tackle boxes.