23-year-old Hunt was on loan at Roots Hall last season, making 33 appearances in all competitions and providing cover for a number of positions, although he predominantly supported either Leon Cort at the heart of defence or Kevin Maher in the centre of midfield. Towards the end of the campaign he was required to perform on the right-hand side of midfield, although he can also play at right full-back.
His signing was by no means a formality after the captures of Andy Edwards, Adam Barrett and Carl Pettefer jeopardised his position in the first team. He returned to Derby County at the end of his loan period and received offers from other clubs, which he gave due consideration. However, he has now agreed a deal to keep him at Roots Hall, and signed it this morning to allay any fears.
Meanwhile fellow utility man Che Wilson, who can play right across the back four or midfield, has also agreed a one-year deal with the Shrimpers. Wilson, who was formerly captain of Bristol Rovers and has had spells with Norwich City and non-League Cambridge City in the East Anglian region, failed to make a substantial breakthrough into the side last term, but has decided to stick it out with Southend in a bid to continue in League football.
One man that will not be doing that, however, is Mark Warren. The ex-Leyton Orient and Colchester United enforcer, who despite his connections with the club’s two biggest rivals became a firm favourite with the Shrimpers travelling support, has turned down a twelve-month deal, possibly citing his position behind Edwards, Barrett and Hunt as a reason. Others factors were the terms of his contract, which was believed to be the same as he had last season. Non-League sides Hornchurch and Fisher Athletic both offered increased wages.
Finally, the squad numbers for next season have been decided, and were revealed on the club’s official website, www.southendunited.co.uk, today. They are as follows:
- Bart GRIEMINK
- Duncan JUPP
- Nicky NICOLAU
- Lewis HUNT
- Andy EDWARDS
- Adam BARRETT
- Mark GOWER
- Kevin MAHER
- Mark BENTLEY
- Carl PETTEFER
- Lawrie DUDFIELD
- Drewe BROUGHTON
- Darryl FLAHAVAN (subject to the goalkeeper agreeing a new contract)
- Wayne GRAY
- Tesfaye BRAMBLE
- James CORBETT
- Michael HUSBANDS
- Che WILSON
- Jay SMITH
- Michael KIGHTLY
- Stuart WILLIAMS
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com