The 26-year-old had eight stitches in a head wound picked up as he was booked for his only meaningful action in the 4-0 defeat at the Williamson Motors Stadium. On Monday he had these removed and resumed full training with the Seasiders squad, but, having failed to play in the 4-1 reserve team friendly against Hornchurch behind closed doors on Tuesday, the writing was on the wall.
Freddy Eastwood scored his second second-string goal in two matches two days ago, and whilst trialist Alex Revell has yet to be offered a permanent deal with United, the form of Tesfaye Bramble and Wayne Gray in Friday night’s 2-1 win against Boston United at the Hall and the possible return of Lawrie Dudfield to partner Eastwood on the bench signals a lack of opportunity for the Hitchin-born goal-getter.
On Tuesday, Blues boss Steve Tilson told the Southend Evening Echo, “I would imagine he would be available for selection this weekend, but whether he is involved or not is a different matter as competition for places is very fierce right now”. With just two League goals in over thirty matches in the basement league for Southend, and none in any competition in 2004/5, Broughton has slipped down the pecking order, and he will now move closer to home at Nene Park for four weeks.
Talking to the Echo, Broughton, who has eight goals in total for the Shrimpers, including five in the majestic LDV Vans Trophy run last season, said, “It’s been hard to get into the team at Southend and I’m going there to get some games to improve my sharpness”. Diamonds have also signed Gary Mulligan, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, in a bid to net more goals with Craig Dove and Gareth Seddon struggling.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com