Attacking midfielder Smith’s negotiations in particular were protracted, and it seemed as though agent Richard Cody – who is also in charge of goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, departing defender Nicky Nicolau and forward Lawrie Dudfield’s careers – may have blundered in asking for too much from Ron Martin and the Shrimpers board.
However, supporters will be delighted that the former Aston Villa trainee, who netted his first Southend goal on his home debut against Cambridge United three seasons ago whilst still on loan, has decided to extend his stay by the seaside to a further twelve months. The 23-year-old, angry at speculation that his future may lay ahead of the loyal Seasiders, then defiantly declared: “I’ve always been a Blue!”
Smith, who has suffered two long-term injuries in as many seasons, sighed, “Getting things sorted is a huge weight off of my mind,” in an interview with the club’s subscription service, Blues World. “This has been dragging on for a bit now. It’s played on my mind but now it’s all done and dusted I want to do my best for the club.”
The youngster, who is sure to perform well once he battles back to full fitness despite United plying their trade in a higher division, continued, “The negotiations took a long time and towards the end it was frustrating but we sorted it out and now I want to show the fans what I can do.”
Southend followers will be well aware of Smith’s talents by now. In bagging nine goals in 63 games for the Shrimpers, he will always be remembered for a stunning double strike in the FA Cup at Canvey Island, when his last-gasp winner secured a famous victory at Park Lane against the non-League underdogs. Sadly, four months later he was stretchered off of the field after a thuggish challenge by Cambridge United’s Warren Goodhind that could have ended the Londoner’s career.
“Other sides have been interested but I have never thought about leaving because this is my club,” Smith reassured fans. And he had further news of a first appearance since a reserve win at Gillingham last October. “My injuries are back to normal and I can’t wait to get back playing. I’m hoping to be involved in our friendly on Saturday against Chelmsford and take things from there.”
Wilson’s signature was just a matter of time. He had been ready to dot the i‘s and cross the t’s as early as the start of June, but the man who made the left-back position his own last season was all too pleased to put pen to paper on a new two year deal on the Thames Estuary.
“I’m delighted to have signed,” the former Norwich City youngster told the same club service. “After a good season at the club last year, I wanted to remain and see us progress in League One. I was offered two years in the end and I’m happy to have signed and hopefully I will be here longer than that.”
It will now be an anxious wait to see whether Dudfield, the last player whose future remains uncertain, decides to follow suit. The departure of Nicky Nicolau this morning acted as a warning against the former Hull City striker’s actions, and his absence in early season training sessions appears to point towards a move, possibly to Barry Fry’s Peterborough United. Steve Tilson, though, will be keen to keep hold of the forward with Freddy Eastwood and Wayne Gray the only experienced front men at the side.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com