Southend predict classic with Shrewsbury Town

Legendary Southend striker Neil Harris has braced his Southend United team-mates for a "classic" encounter at Shrewsbury Town's Greenhous Meadow tomorrow.

Veteran striker Harris made his name with his prolific goalscoring record at Millwall –and also for the way he bravely and successfully fought testicular cancer.

Now playing for the side he supported as a boy, he is relishing tomorrow's big clash between two sides gunning for promotion from League Two this season.

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"I think it has all the makings of a classic at Shrewsbury this weekend," said Harris.

"They have the best home record in the division and we have the best away, so it will be an interesting afternoon.

"We know we're in a for a difficult afternoon but we're confident without being arrogant about our chances going in to it.

"We're not fussed if we're playing home or away right now and it was great to get all three points at Northampton last weekend (the Shrimps winning 5-2)."

Meanwhile, Southend's supporters have had a further boost ahead of their trip to Shropshire with the news that popular manager Paul Sturrock has been handed a new contract.

Sturrock – who has former Town defender Graham Coughlan on his coaching staff – now has an open-ended deal at Roots Hall.

"We've made amendments to Paul's contract and it no longer ends at the end of the season," confirmed Southend's chief executive Tara Brady.

"It's a rolling contract so there isn't really an end date. It's a deal I would describe as being evergreen and the same as Norwich City have done with Paul Lambert."

Sturrock is currently enjoying his second season in charge of the club and has transformed Blues' fortunes during his time in charge.

The former Plymouth Argyle boss inherited a squad of just five when he took control and three of those requested to leave.

Since then, the 55-year-old Scot has put together a strong side and Brady is delighted to have extended Sturrock's contract.

"I think Paul is doing a great job," said Brady. "I think I was lucky to already have him in as the manager when I arrived because otherwise I could've spent the first three months of my time here trying to find someone like him."

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