It was a surprise to those Gooners who follow the progress of the Arsenal youth academy, arguably the most successful in the Premiership, when Head of Youth Development Liam Brady announced that under-16 goalkeeper Luke Chambers was not to be awarded a new contract.
The Gunners are lucky to have on their books a number of promising young shotstoppers. Even so, word on Chambers was positive, and he was picked by the Welsh Under 16 team for the SkySports Victory Shield last year.
Though shocked by his release, and Brady doesn't come out of it all that well, their was plenty of interest in the young keeper, including from other Premiership clubs, but he choose to sign a four year contract with the Shrimpers.
Luke revealed in an interview with J. Sanderson on www.younggunsblog.co.uk why he has chosen the Essex club over all the over offers.
He said: "I had enquiries from 27 clubs from Manchester City, Liverpool, Millwall and Leyton Orient. The reason why I chose Southend was partly down to Liam and Steve Leonard - they mentioned that Southend were intrested in taking me to a tournament in Germany as their goalkeeper had been injured and were looking for a replacement."
The youth international keeper went on to confirm how impressed he was the Blues under-18 management, and that size really doesn't matter.
Luke continued: "With hindsight now it was a blessing in disguise because it was there I met the men behind Southend youth. Ricky Duncan, Luke Hobbs and soon to be my new goalkeeping mentor Terry Mason. Then once I had met the players of Southend youth, I knew this was it. If i could offer one piece of advice to anyone looking for a new club it would be forget the size of the club - you must be happy and feel at home where ever you decide to go."
For the full interview with Luke, go here:
http://younggunsblog.co.uk/2010/01/29/exclusive-interview-released-keeper-luke-chambers/
And to prove it isn't all one way traffic with the North london club they signed Southend youth keeper James Dunn last year, full story on that here:
http://arsenalyouth.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/arsenal-sign-goalkeeper-james-dunn-until-end-of-season/