PETER CLARKE is looking forward to meeting some old mates today – and sending them back to Bournemouth empty-handed.
The Town skipper’s teammates at former club Southend included Cherries boss Lee Bradbury, keeper Darryl Flahavan and defenders Simon Francis and Adam Barrett, his old centre-back partner at Roots Hall.
All three players have arrived since the end of last season, Flahavan from Portsmouth, Barrett from Crystal Palace and right-back Francis on loan from Charlton with a view to a permanent move next month.
“It will be good to see a few old faces and catch up with them, but I’ll be doing my best to send them home with their tails between their legs,” smiled Clarke, who is delighted to see Southend leading League II going into today’s game at Cheltenham.
“They are all good lads and good players, and I’m pleased to see Lee Bradbury doing well in his first managerial job.
“He had a tough task taking over from Eddie Howe, but he kept the momentum going last season and this time, he has created a new side who are starting to find their feet.”
