Bilel Mohsni: Would not be confused by shouts of sea, sea, seasiders
Nervous times for the Shrimpers faithful as the final transfer window of the season comes to an end at 23.00 this evening.
Of course, we all would like that mysterious striker to put pen to paper with the rumour mill pushing Charlton's Akpo Sodje.
Former legend Chris Powell is now the Addicks boss Chris Powell and has confirmed he's received interest in the 30-year-old Sodje
Powell told www.southlondonpost.com last week: "I've had three clubs on for him and he may be able to go and play regularly elsewhere."
We don't know if we are one of the three clubs, but, if we are, the other two probably have more dosh, and we don't think Screech's wages added up to that much.
To conclude on this Blues boss Paul Sturrock made clear any players we are after so far did not want to drop down to League Two, Sodje would probably fancy his chances in the third tier at least.
We do believe that talks are currently continuing to be held with a non-league club that may see someone in before the dealine, or a loan deal soon after.
What is important to the Shrimpers faithful is that, as a serious play-off challenge starts to materialise from nowhere, our two most influential players in Anthony Grant and Bilel Mohsni stay on, at least until the end of the season.
Sky Sports have now updated their original report from last week by informing us that Blackpool, having a great season in the Premiership, are believed to have made a firm offer.
However, after reading www.skysports.com Southend have rejected the other Seasiders offer, which they believe to be an initial £250,000, rising to around £600,000 depending on clauses.
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway may return, especially if he has a few million in his pocket from the sale of Charlie Adams.
Moreover, S24 were told by an insider at the club, see the Echo isn't the only media outlet with 'sources', (then again I'm not convinced a guy who bought EEB a drink in the pub Saturday and possibily sells programmes counts as an 'insider' or a 'source'!), who insists that the Shrimpers new scoring sensation Bilel Mohsni, though he happily returned to his day job of centre-back after half-time in the 2-0 win at Barnet, has spoken to Luggy and the veteran manager convinced him to stay on while continuing his development at League Two level with the French Tunisian's situation being reviewed in the summer.
Blimey, the bloke was playing Parisian amatuer football a few months ago, it's ridiculous, even for the circus that's the Premier League, wait until May lads. (Just don't get a decent agent!)
As for Newcastle, maybe they look at Bilel as a replacement for Andy Carroll where Liverpool are said to have made a £30m offer (as well as Tottenham), money made from the sale of Torres to Chelsea where he'll be on £175,000 a week.
I'm joking about the Geordie boys, I think, the top division does resemble Disneyland on a bad day at times.
Anyway, many would believe Kane Ferdinand looks a better long term prospect; shit, that's just added a couple of noughts to his worth, see Ron that's the way to do it.
As for Anthony Grant, Sturrock insisted that there's been no offer from the reported Championship interest, helped by some indifferent displays over recent games though he did score his first goal since November at Underhill on Saturday.
He has been tweeting again and worrying supporters, who are bricking it enough as it is!
We'll wait and see with the rest of you, counting the hours!
A link to the Sky Sports transfer desk here:
www.skysports.com/football/transfer_clockwatch/0,23710,14896,00.html
Some other relevant stories:
The first report that Bilel could be on his way:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
premiership_clubs_make_move_for_southend_uniteds_bilel_mohsni_
626000/index.shtml
The tale of a striker from Solihull:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
shrimpers_striker_target_stays_in_solihull_offer_from_southend_united_
turned_down_months_ago_626683/index.shtml
A good bit of business:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
happy_shrimper_signs_deal_as_sturrock_says_not_going_to_learn_
from_mistakes_if_not_in_the_team_559602/index.shtml
Bilel wants more:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
scorer_bilel_mohsni_issues_warning_enjoyed_playing_as_a_striker_
and_should_play_there_more_often_624218/index.shtml
He'll play anywhere:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
bilel_mohsni_if_paul_sturrock_wants_me_to_play_keeper_for_
southend_united_i_play_keeper_625244/index.shtml
His brace against the Silkmen:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
the_bilel_mohsni_show_the_highlights_625780/index.shtml
He's the new Kenwyne Jones, possibily:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
bilel_mohsni_to_stay_a_shrimpers_striker_seen_it_all_before_with_
kenwyne_jones_says_sturrock_625814/index.shtml
And for Shrimpers only; bye, bye Scotty:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
shrimpers_striker_scott_spencer_tweets_transfer_to_tillys_imps_626014/
index.shtml