Simon Royce 1991 - 1998

Simon played for the same team in Maldon, where he was brought up, from 9 to 18. At 19 he joined Heybridge Swifts who where in the Diadora League. Someone from Colchester United recommended him to Dave Webb, who signed him up as cover to long standing 'keeper Paul Sansome.
Harry Redknapp, then Bournemouth's Manager, had also watched Simon play, but Webb's offer persuaded Simon to give up his painting + decorating job + go full time with the Blues. Paul Sansome was a ever-present in the team + kept Simon in the reserves for 4 years until a one match suspension in March 1992 gave Roycie a change to play league football. That was his only appearance that year.
Season 1992/93 saw 3 appearances, 1993/94 saw 8 in total, including his first FA Cup appearance, losing 0-1 to Luton. Throughout those years he feels Sammy did all he could to help Simon improve his skills.
It took the departure of Peter Taylor as Manager + the appointment of a coaching / managerial team headed by Steve Thompson to see Sammy dropped + Simon take over the No. 1 jersey + make it his. The first match is this run was an away victory against Oldham, a match well remembered by all that saw it. Simon played a major part in ensuring the Blues first division survival that season.
Simon has been virtually ever present since that time + must be considered very unfortunate not to be included in the PFA 1st Division representative side in Season 1995/96. It was no surprise that he won the Player of the Year award as he often saved the Blues from thrashings almost by himself. He feels his best performance was against West Ham in the FA Cup on 6 Jan 96 in a 0-2 defeat that could have been much worse.
1996/97 season saw Roycie make 45 appearances with 4,050 mins on pitch, one yellow card + 9 star player awards.
Simon is a brilliant reaction shot saver, but admits his kicking has been poor, particularly at the end of the 1996/97 season, but he practices with Tony Henriksen + feels there is an improvement. He was displaced by Neville Southall for 9 matches during the 1997/98 season, during which time the Blues drew 2 + lost 7 matches. Overal that season he made 43 appearances with 3,870 mins on pitch, one red card in the FA Cup vs. Fulham + won 5 star player awards.
It is rumoured that he agreed a new 4 year contract 1997, but when it came time to sign it had been changed to 2 years, so he didn't resign + his contract came to an end in May 1998. Most Southend fans wanted to see Roycie stay + help get us back to the 2nd Division at the first attempt.
However he joined Charlton on 26 July 1998 on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling. Simon was the subject of rival interest from Sheffield United and Watford + he signed a two-year contract at The Valley. He became one of four senior goalkeepers, with Sasa Ilic, Andy Petterson and long-serving Mike Salmon all on Charlton's books.
Southend have had a number of excellent goalkeepers over the years + Roycie can claim to be one of the best.

FULL NAME: Simon Ernest ROYCE

POSITION: Goalkeeper

BORN: Forest Gate, 9 September 1971

SIZE: 6'2", 12st 8lb

TRANSFER FEE: £10,000 (from Heybridge Swifts, 15October1991)
Free (to Charlton 26Jul98)

SOUTHEND DEBUT: 29 March 1992 at Roots Hall vs. Grimsby (3-1)

SILLY FACTS: Favourite things -Chicken Curry - Jack Daniel's + Coke - They Think It's All Over - R.Kelly

HONOURS: SUFC Player of the Year 1996/97

Prepared by Robin Michel
Last updated - 11 Jul 98
Corrections, additions or comments welcome