Clark Prepares To Commit

Steven Clark should sign by the weekend

The former West Ham United wide man had been stalling on a new contract after revealing that the terms offered were not quite what he had expected. The 21-year-old, who has made 45 appearances for the Shrimpers after completing a £12,000 move from the Hammers in January 2001 in addition to five matches as a loanee from the East London club, has now told manager Steve Wignall that he is prepared to put pen to paper at the end of the week.

Clark told the club's official website (www.southendunited.co.uk) that, "I always wanted to be offered a new contract at Southend and I was very happy to be offered one as there are so many players out of contract". His statement was concluded when he disclosed, "I have been working on the pre-season programme that we have been given for when I come back. I have the opportunity to play another year of football at Southend United and I'm delighted."

Blues gaffer Wignall was also pleased with the news which offers the former Doncaster Rovers and Aldershot Town boss the opportunity to get the best out of both Clark and Tesfaye Bramble who, as yet, have not made the most of their undoubted talent. Wignall said, "Steven will be signing a new contract and he [Clark's agent] agreed with me in that we think that Steven needs to prove himself again and that it is a good opportunity for him. All being well he will have signed by the end of the week."

Meanwhile, Avon Insurance have decided against renewing their arrangement as sponsors of reserve team football. The Avon Insurance Combination had been in existence for nine years, with the deal extended to the Avon Insurance League for northern teams three years ago. Their era is set to be succeeded by Pontins.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com