The Pioneers: Charles 'Ben' Freeman

On 26th September 2026, Southend United gathered the relatives of the Blues' first-ever team, dating back to 1906.

Roy Gabriel, great-grandson of Charles 'Ben' Freeman, and his wife Cindy travelled from Canada for the day - having been told of the family connection by the Ex-Players Association.

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(Image credit: Warren Muggleton/BBC)