It played in the first round of the FA Cup and the second round of the Football League Cup, and reached the quarter-final of the Football League Trophy.
[1] Sturrock's first signings for Southend were former Northampton Town left back Peter Gilbert[2] and striker Barry Corr who was released by Exeter City.
With Southend being under a transfer embargo, both players could only sign pre-contract agreements.
A squad of 17 players were only registered in time to play on the eve of the new season as the club's transfer embargo was lifted.
Sturrock led Southend to a respectable 13th-placed finish in his first season.