Constantine Departs For Posh

Constantine has found a 'better deal' with Posh.

Barry Fry has been chasing the 26-year-old over the last couple of months, and it comes as no surprise that he has now swooped to take the prolific goal-getter to London Road. He was first spotted at Roots Hall chasing the strikers exploits in late April, when Hull City were the visitors, and despite Peter Taylor having earlier made sounds about him going to the Tigers, it is the East Anglians who have snapped the Londoner up.

Having struggled to make a career from football until he was handed his chance by former Shrimpers boss Steve Wignall, Constantine suddenly exploded to become the second-top goalscorer in Division Three last season. In all he managed 25 goals, with 21 of those coming in what was ultimately a mediocre campaign for the Seasiders.

However, he has repaid the Southend faithful by departing for London Road, and despite his goals last year, there is still a somewhat bitter taste in the mouth over the affair which has seen him go, much like Mark Rawle's departure last summer. Steve Tilson told the official Southend United website, www.southendunited.co.uk, "I'm disappointed he hasn't picked up the phone and told me himself. I spoke to him yesterday and he was going to speak to Ron [Martin] but he never did. He's done well last season and he's scored goals and we will miss him. I'm just disappointed".

Despite being offered a two-year contract with Blues, it would appear that Constantine had started to get ideas above his station, demanding what Tilson describes as "three times the amount he was on last season". The 37-year-old continued, "We were still negotiating but he's obviously got what he wanted elsewhere and we wish him all the best".

The forward told official Peterborough United website, www.theposh.com, "I'm delighted to have signed here. It's a step in the right direction and I'm looking forward to the season ahead". Boss Barry Fry, who enjoyed a successful stint at the hem at Roots Hall, declared, "I'm delighted to have signed Leon today - he's a proven goalscorer and at the top of his form. With the season he's just had, if he manages to repeat that with us, he'll be a great asset at this football club".

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com