BROMLEY boss Andy Woodman cannot wait for his side’s double header with Southend United over Christmas and is desperate for the games to go ahead.

Matches continue to be called off all across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But Woodman, who made 19 appearances for Blues while on loan in 2000, does not want Sunday’s clash to be added to the long list of the postponements.

“Like most people I’m just hoping the games keep going ahead,” said Woodman.

“We’re all in this nervous mode worrying about games being called off and not having one player available.

“But I think we should look at the bigger picture and we want to keep playing matches in front of people to put smiles on people’s faces.

“Matches over Christmas are always exciting too and we have the games with Southend to look forward to as well.

“It’s always good to play against one of the bigger clubs and this is no different.”

Bromley also visit Roots Hall just two days into 2022 and Woodman will be looking to continue his own side’s fine start to the season.

Bromley are currently fourth in the National League standings, two points off top.

And Woodman is keen to keep the good run going. “We’ve had a really good first half of the season,” said Woodman.

“We worked really hard in pre-season to get the squad together and to sort the way we wanted to play.

“We’ve made the most of the resources we’ve got and we can’t complain at all about the first half of the season.

“Hopefully we can replicate it in the second half now.”

In contrast, the Shrimpers sit just above the relegation zone on goal difference.

And Woodman is fully aware of how bad things have been for Blues who are now looking to rebuild with Kevin Maher in charge.

“It’s a culmination of a few years where things have not been quite right with recruitment and what not,” said Woodman.

“The knock on effect of that has now fallen on poor old Kev to pick up the pieces.

“He’s got to rebuild a team and I’m sure he will do that in time.

“I don’t think anyone thought it would be a quick fix but they have good people in charge now on the pitch and off it too with John Still there as well.

“I think at the moment it’s not great but in time they will turn it around for sure, there’s no doubt about that.”

Woodman featured in the same Southend side as Maher during his loan spell at Roots Hall and also knows Blues’ senior football strategist Stan Collymore from their time together at Crystal Palace.

“They’re two good guys,” said Woodman.

“Stan will have his ideas and thoughts and Kev was a top player too.

“He’s been a decent coach in his career already and he will be a really honest manager with Darren Currie behind him too so they’ve got a really good team of people and they will turn it around.”

However, Woodman will be hoping any resurgence does not start to happen until after the Blues’ two games with Bromley as he continues to show former goalkeepers can make good managers.

“I don’t understand why more goalkeepers don’t become managers,” said Woodman.

“I always find it a funny thing.

“I was fortunate enough to play 500 games at a decent level and coached at Premier League level for 16 years.

“It seemed like the natural progression for me, it was just where the opportunity was going to arise.

“The chairman of Bromley gave me the chance and hopefully I’m flying the flag for goalkeepers at the moment.”

Bromley certainly seem in safe hands with Woodman in charge as he utilises the knowledge he gathered during a lengthy playing career which also included a loan spell with the Shrimpers he looks back on with great fondness.

“I loved it there,” said Woodman.”

“I was there under Alan Little and I really enjoyed it.

“I felt it was a big club to play for but Dave Webb came in which was a bit of a change and he had his own ideas.

“I sadly left but I’ve always looked out for Southend over the years.

“Weirdly enough, in my short spell there I made some really nice friends I still speak to.

“It’s funny how football brings people together in a short space of time.

“But I honestly loved my time there and, although I wasn’t there a long time, it was a good time and I have fond memories still.”