Bradford City v Southend United: No scrimping Shrimpers as they plot Valley Parade trip

PAUL STURROCK believes a midweek stay in the north of England will help Southend United avoid a fourth consecutive defeat when they tackle Bradford City tonight in League Two.

The former Sheffield Wednesday manager raised eyebrows in midweek when he was spotted in the car park of a Huddersfield hotel.

A number of his players were also seen struggling to cross a busy dual carriageway near the M62 as Town supporters headed to Merseyside for the game against Everton.

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Sturrock has now revealed that he opted to stay in Yorkshire for two nights with his squad after playing Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carling Cup on Tuesday night.

The Shrimpers were also allowed to use the facilities at Huddersfield Town's Storthes Hall training ground for two days ahead of the clash with one of their biggest West Yorkshire rivals.

"It made more sense as we would have arrived back (in Southend) on Wednesday morning – which would have meant that day was a write off. We'd then have travelled back to Bradford on Thursday," said Sturrock

"This way, we have been able to do some regeneration work as there were some tired legs after extra-time on Tuesday. Everyone will then train on Friday morning to work on set pieces and pattern of play. That has made our preparation a bit more professional and the organisation at the hotels has been excellent."

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The Shrimpers were relegated from League One last season and turned to Sturrock this summer after axing Steve Tilson.

Tonight's game will have added significance for Bradford manager Peter Taylor who was born in Southend and both played and managed at Roots Hall.

Now 57, Taylor made 75 appearances for the Shrimpers between 1973-75 before moving to Crystal Palace and winning England caps. He returned to his hometown club in 1993 as manager but quit after two seasons.

Having rested players for the midweek Carling Cup defeat against Preston North End, Taylor will be looking for his side to pick up a third home victory out of four so far this season.

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Defender Robbie Threlfall is available again after serving a one-match ban, defender Lewis Hunt and midfielder Lee Bullock are back in contention, but on-loan midfielder Tom Adeyemi (shin) faces a late fitness test.

Sturrock, meanwhile, has a fully fit squad at his disposal including a trio of former Owls players in Graham Coughlan, Peter Gilbert and Barry Corr.

Last six games: Bradford WLWWLL, Southend LDWLLL

Last time: Bradford 0 Southend 2; August 9, 2005, League One.

Referee: P Tierney (Lancashire).