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Meanwhile, Shrimpers chief Steve Wignall also seemed pleased by the signing. He threw down the gauntlet by declaring, "it's time for him to give his all now really", but was also hopeful of a better campaign next time around, "We're looking to get him a bit fitter and a bit sharper as every manager wants with their players. But we intend to get him hard at it and hopefully it'll be fifteen or twenty goals next year." Last year the forward managed just eleven in an injury-hit season.
However, Wignall is still waiting for replies from four of his players. Having had Leon Cort and Neil Jenkins put pen to paper, and Bramble accept whilst away, Dave McSweeney, Stuart Thurgood, Mark Rawle and Steven Clark have all yet to get back to the manager. And Wignall pleaded for the quartet to reply as soon as possible, "they are within their rights to hang on but it is making my job more difficult so it would everyone all round if they were to make a decision one way or another".
And Wignall has already started the rebuilding process at Roots Hall. Having agreed verbally with defender Mark Warren over a deal when the former Leyton Orient and Colchester United player returns for holiday, the ex-Doncaster Rovers and Aldershot Town boss has also been in talks with some higher division players. One goalkeeper, rumoured to be Rhys Evans, who was released by Chelsea during the week, was spoken to within hours of his departure, but Wignall is also hopeful of getting another midfielder, who would "let me know by tomorrow". And a left-back has also been contacted, although his agent does not return from his vacation until Tuesday.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com