Still getting over the fact that an offer has been made for our player of the year, the last thing I wanted to do was look at my phone again, well what do you know, another signing.
According to the official site, www.southendunited.co.uk , we've beaten off Swindon and Cheltenham for the ex-Wycombe player and he signed for "a nominal fee".
Betsy spoke to Blues World in his first interview; "I have been lucky enough to have been promoted twice from this division with Bristol City and Fulham and I think this team can play in the Championship. I played at every game at Bristol City the year we got promoted but didn't play too many games last season which is the way it goes sometimes. Consistancy is the key ingredient if you want to get promoted, if you have a few special players that can unlock defences if you have a chance."
He went on to praise Tilly; "A few sides in League One and League Two showed some interest but for me it was coming to see the manager and hearing his ethos which suited me. The very manager is highly regarded and I have a lot of respect for him and what he has achieved in the game so far."
Kevin's certainly got history. Read the Files below.
He can play for the Seychelles it seems but choose not to, good man, the weathers far better in Southend.
It all looks promising but I can't remember ever seeing him so I'll start some detective work and see what comes up.
For starters, here's a few kind words from City independent website The Net Centre for supporters of Swindon Town on missing out on yet another target. Nice nickname, we are far too kind with Colchester.
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Gary Johnson bought Kevin from Wycombe Wanderers for £150k when City were riding high in League 1 and although he didn't exactly set the world alight in the games he played he was an integral part of our Promotion winning squad two seasons ago. He really didn't get an opportunity in the Championship side of last season. The introduction of wingers Michael McIndoe and Ivan Sproule to the club saw Kevin fall further down the pecking order for a wide berth and with Scott Murray and Brian Wilson also able to play on the flanks his chances of a game became more and more remote. Loans spells in League 1 with Yeovil Town and Walsall saw Kevin complete last season with 18 appearances for the Saddlers. So it's back to League 1 and Southend United, his eleventh club after starting with Woking in 1997. Good luck Kevin Betsy. |
The next time I hear the phone I wont put it in the bin. Welcome to Southend Kevin and Good Luck.
The Betsy Files
Whose the fastest?
Lewis Hamilton Kevin Betsy
Kevin Eddie Lewis Betsy was born on March 20, 1978 in Woking, Surrey
Betsy started his career at Woking before moving to Fulham during the 1998/99 season for £150,000. He went on to have loan spells at Bournemouth and Hull City before moving to Barnsley in March 2002 for a fee of £200,000.
He made over 90 appearances for the club and scored 17 goals before moving to Oldham Athletic on a free transfer in September 2004 after a short loan spell at Hartlepool United. After failing to agree a new deal at Oldham, Betsy moved to Wycombe in July 2005, signing a two year contract.
Betsy was a regular in the Wycombe team during the 2005/06 season; playing on the right side of midfield and occasionally as a striker. He was also a regular goalscorer for the club; most notably with a hat-trick against Mansfield Town in September 2005.
In April 2006, Betsy was honoured by his fellow professionals by being named in the Professional Footballers's Association (PFA) "Team Of The Year" for League Two.
In January 2007, it was announced that Betsy had joined League One Bristol City for an initial fee of £150,000. He joined Yeovil Town on loan in October 2007. He returned to Bristol City on 7 November.
On 31 January 2008, Betsy completed a loan-move to Walsall for the rest of the season, having fallen out of favour at Ashton Gate.
Kevin has finally found his true home for Southend United on 7 August 2008 on a two-year contract.