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Broughton, who has represented England schoolboys and has commanded a quarter-of-a-million pounds worth of transfer fees throughout a seven-year professional career, was a big fravourite with the Harriers' fans for his whole-hearted attitude and commitment to the cause, even when matters were not going well. In his time with Kiddy he managed to score on twenty occasions in all competitions in two shy of a century of appearances. However, his worth is increased by the number of goals he managed to set up for his fellow forward Bo Henriksen, who managed to hit double figures during both of the previous two campaigns.
Speaking to the official Kidderminster Harriers website, www.harriers.co.uk, manager Ian Britton said, "He felt it was probably the best time for him to move opn and try his luck elsewhere and I respect him for taking that decision. He wasn't forced out and I would have been happy for him to stay and fight for his place". In a good sign for Shrimpers fans, Britton added, "Drewe has done very wel for us and his commitment could never be questioned. Whether it be in training or in matches he always gave 100% and he will be missed". Broughton's move will not cost Southend a penny, although he is believed to have been one of the highest earners at Aggborough. The first time he will have a chance to meet his new team-mates will be on June 26th, when the squad meet up for pre-season training.
Broughton told the Southend United official site (www.southendunited.co.uk) that he was "delighted and really excited about the prospect of next season". The marksman, who is expected to join Tesfaye Bramble in the Shrimpers attack next year continued to say, "I think that after talking to Steve Wignall, his ideas are really good and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into it. Hopefully I can bring some leadership upfront".
The Hitchin-born front man began his career with Norwich City, where he played in the reserves for just over two seasons before switching to Brentford in a £100,000-move to Brentford in October 1998. However, just a month later Broughton was on the move once again, this time in a six-figure transfer to Peterborough United. During his two years at London Road he scored nine times, but also went on loan to non-League sides Nuneaton Borough (2 goals in 13 games), Dagenham & Redbridge (5 in 11) and Stevenage Borough (3 in 3). Another loan period, this time at Kidderminster brought a further three goals in just five matches, and he then moved permanently in February 2001 for £50,000.
Drewe Broughton Factfile
Position: Forward
Age: 24 (Date of Birth: 25th October 1978)
Born: Hitchin
Height: 6ft 3ins
Weight: 12st 1lb
Career (130 appearances, plus 57 as a substitute, 43 goals):
Norwich City (1st August 1996-28th October 1998): 3(6) games, 1 goal
Wigan Athletic (loan - 10th August 1997-10th September 1997): 2(6) games, 0 goals
Brentford (£100,000 - 28th October 1998-16th November 1998): 1 game, 0 goals
Peterborough United (£100,000 - 16th November 1998-16th February 2001): 22(17) games, 9 goals
Nuneaton Borough (loan - 5th February 2000-8th May 2000): 11(2) games, 2 goals
Dagenham & Redbridge (loan - 21st September 2000-9th December 2000): 9(2) games, 5 goals
Stevenage Borough (loan - 15th December 2000-12th January 2001): 3 games, 3 goals
Kidderminster Harriers (loan - 22nd January 2001-15th February 2001): 5 games, 3 goals
Kidderminster Harriers (£50,000 - 16th February 2001-11th June 2003): 74(24) games, 20 goals