Southend United fans cheer on their side in the stands SOUTHEND United hit the headlines when they dismissed manager Paul Sturrock just a matter of weeks before he was due to lead the club into a Wembley final. The Scotsman had led the Shrimpers to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final after leading Blues through a tricky run to reach the national stadium. But, with the showpiece event taking place on April 7, 2013, Sturrock was shown the door on March 24. The decision to remove Sturrock from the position proved to be controversial, with Blues and football fans alike critical of chairman Ron Martin’s move.