HENRY Sandat admits it will be weird playing against Southend United for the first time tonight.

Sandat – who came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall – is currently on loan at Wealdstone from Hull City.

And the striker is expecting this evening’s game at Grosvenor Vale to feel slightly strange.

“It will be something I’ve never done before,” said the 19-year-old.

“I’ve never played against Southend so I guess it will be weird but I have huge amounts of respect for the club.

“I still look out for their scores to see that they’ve hopefully won because I want the best for them.

“I joined when I was nine and left when I was 18 so I wish them nothing but the best.

“The club is only going in the right direction now with the new ownership and the management team who are brilliant and have been brilliant for me in my development.”

Sandat scored once in 12 games for the Shrimpers before the club’s transfer embargo meant he was unable to be offered a new contract at the end of the 2022/23 season.

The former Eastwood School pupil was soon snapped up by Hull City but returned to Blues on loan last season and netted twice in 15 appearances.

The forward is now out on loan elsewhere in the National League.

But he knows only too well how tough tonight’s game will be.

“Obviously I know their qualities and the individuals they have,” said Sandat.

“Gussy (Gus Scott-Morriss) is on fire right now so he’s obviously a big threat but the whole team has quality from back to front.

“You know what you’re going to get from a Kevin Maher team.

“High press and good on the ball so we will need to be ready at the end of the day I’m a Wealdstone player now so my focus is on performing the best I can for Wealdstone and trying to create and score goals.”

Sandat has netted once in nine appearances for Wealdstone.

But the youngster is already enjoying his new surroundings.

“My time at Wealdstone has been great so far and I’m trying to implement what the manager wants from me,” said Sandat.

“I’ve managed to score a goal so I just need to build on it now.

“That’s something I need to add to my game and quick especially as a striker.

“I can be as good as I want in the middle of the pitch but I get judged on how many goals I score so that is my main focus.”

But, after tonight’s clash, Sandat is keen to see the Shrimpers doing well.

“I have huge amounts of respect for everyone at Southend,” said Sandat.

“The players, fans and coaches were all brilliant with me there especially the fans.

“They have one of the best if not the best support in the league and their following is unbelievable for the National League.

“I remember my first start against Gateshead when I scored and I heard the fans singing my name it was one of the best feelings I have experienced yet.

“The fans supported me and backed me so I appreciate them a lot.

“The coaches massively helped develop my game and I wouldn’t be where I am without their help and coaching so I’ve said loads of times what Kev, Daz and Benno have done for me I will forever be grateful.

“I hope Southend can achieve what everyone wants them to achieve within the club which is promotion, whether that is this season or next.”

But Sandat is only thinking short-term for his own career.

“I don’t look too much ahead because I feel it can start messing with your head a bit if you set goals for the end of the season,” said Sandat. 

"“I just try and focus on each game and doing the best that I can do to help the team.

“Obviously we’re coming off the back of a 3-0 defeat so we’re desperate to put it right."