SOUTHEND United caretaker boss Rob Newman will be looking for his third successive win when the Shrimpers arrive at Bootham Crescent tomorrow to boost his chances of claiming the Roots Hall hot-seat on a permanent basis.

Newman took temporary charge of the Shrimpers following the surprise decision of David Webb to resign and has since guided United to two straight wins - the 4-1 win over Stevenage Borough in the LDV Vans trophy in midweek and the 4-2 win over Swansea City last Saturday.

The victories are the only two stuttering Southend have tasted in their last seven outings and with the victory over Swansea lifting United seven places up the table to ninth Newman, the former Norwich City star, is a firm favourite with the fans to be given the job permanently.

Out are midfielders Stuart Thurgood (groin) and Ben Smith (ankle), left-winger Scott Forbes (hamstring) and striker Tony Richards (Achilles).

Likely to be leading the line tomorrow will be Tess Bramble, brother of Ipswich Town's star defender Titus, who has scored two goals in his last two appearances for United.

At the back, Leon Cort, brother of Newcastle United striker Carl Cort, is expected to partner skipper Phil Whelans in the centre of defence.

Updated: 10:58 Friday, October 19, 2001