Much of the talk amongst Southend supporters over the past couple of weeks has been over 2002/3 top-scorer Mark Rawle and whether the twelve-goal hit man would sign a new twelve-month contract. The former Boston United man’s failure to commit was put down to agent Colin Hart, who argued that the terms and length of contract were not good enough, and that five Football League clubs and one prominent Nationwide Conference side were interested in his services.
However, boss Wignall was delighted to announce on the club’s official website (www.southendunited.co.uk) this afternoon that, “Mark contacted the club…and said that he would come in on Friday and sign”. The imminent signing puts an end to weeks of speculation, and Rawle will now join his tem-mates for the start of pre-season training a week on Thursday.
Joining him will be winger Steven Clark. The former West Ham United wide man finally arrived at the club today to sign a one-year contract that he had verbally agreed to last week, despite interest from east coast outfit Grimsby Town. Clark is rumoured to have forgotten to turn up to his original meeting with manager Wignall yesterday afternoon. The Londoner commented, "I am very pleased to have signed the contract". He added, "I want to forget about last season and show the manager and everyone else what I can do". Having disclosed that there were some personaql problems, Clark prophesised, "All I have ever wanted to do is play football and to remain a part of this club is fantastic".
Robert Craven