The worst kept secret in Southend has been confirmed as Darryl has finalised his transfer to Championship side Crystal Palace. Flavs was a free agent after turning down a new deal with the Shrimpers after eight years at Roots Hall.
He told Palace's official website: "Just a few weeks ago my agent rang me up and said there was interest from Crystal Palace. He then said for me to come down and speak to (manager) Neil Warnock and I was really impressed with what he said. After I spoke to him I knew I wanted to come here."
Flahavan began his career at Southampton, where he failed to break through to the first team. He was released by the Saints in 1998, and went on to make his name with Conference side Woking. He was signed by the Blues in October 2000.
Darryl made 351 appearances for Southend during the course of his eight years at the Hall and has kept more clean sheets for the Shrimpers than any other keeper in their history while being one of David Webb's better decisions after returning to manage the club once again.
Speaking about his time with the Blues Darryl said; "I spoke to Southend when the season ended and they weren't prepared to offer me anything longer than a year. My son Aaron is starting school soon though and that was an important factor in the decision because I wanted something more long-term. That wasn't going to happen at Southend so I made myself available for a move. I've had such a great time at Southend and really did love every second of being at the club. Individually winning the PFA League One player of the season, along with the fans and players' player of the year awards meant an awful lot to me. So did the promotions, the games at the Millennium Stadium and, of course, beating Manchester United. That was amazing but playing a part in taking the club from the bottom of League Two right into the Championship meant an awful lot to me."
Flahavan played a huge part in the continued success but was quick to point out how Blues' goalkeeping coach Lee Turner had played a huge part in his development.
"I really do owe Lee a lot because he has been different class for me," said Flahavan who will now be coached by former Shrimpers keeper Jim Stannard at Palace. He really improved my game and I'd also like to thank the supporters. There were always fantastic with me at the ground or even just in the supermarket and it was something I always appreciated. I wish them all the best for the future and hope the club keep doing well."
But Flahavan, who stands eighth in the club's all-time appearance makers, is now fully focused on making a good impression with the Eagles and trying to force his way into the team, despite the fine form of Julian Speroni.
"He's a good keeper but I'm here to challenge him for a place," he said. "I'm confident in my ability and will aim to make the most of any chance that comes my way."
A true gent. Some of those performances during our two succesive promotions were breathtaking and I will always remember that save in the first leg of the League Two Play-Off Semi-Final away at Northampton in the dying minutes. It kept the score goaless and set up our win in the second leg. There could be many more to choose, in fact you could just replay the whole of the Man.Utd. League Cup tie if you want the perfect Flavs memorial. It even became a running joke over those years for anybody reporting on a Southend game that there was the 'obligatory Flahaven brilliant save' somewhere in the 90 minutes.
A shot stopper supreme his lack of inches became apparent more in the Championship and early in the last season especially with, at times, the less than imposing Barrett and Clarke in front of him. Confidence slipped as he seemed to be unwilling to come off his line leading to a number of goals from set pieces. However, after picking up a back injury and being replaced by No.2 Steve Collis he forced his way back into the side to return to his best form during our 13 match unbeaten run that saw us into the play-offs. Those two penalty saves at Crewe anyone?
The signing of Stevie Mildenhall from Yeovil put the writing on the wall for Darryl and who can blame him for swapping possible No. 2 status at a League One club for the same position at Championship level as he enters his thirties. Who knows, with Warnock's record, in a couple of seasons Ronaldo, (substitute Rooney if the Portuguese diver has flown the coup to Spain), could be lining up a free-kick on the edge of the area on a cold Manchester evening where he sees the diminutive form of our Darryl lining up the wall. "Bugger, I thought I had seen the last of that little bastard."
Good Luck mate, a lot of great memories for every true Blue.
Meanwhile, Hereford United have reportedly pulled out of the bidding war for the Southend United striker Gary Hooper. Bulls boss Graham Turner posted a £50,000 transfer bid earlier in the summer, but told the Essex club that was his final offer. Now it seems the former Grays Athletic forward could be on the move for a six-figure fee.
Stockport County, Scunthorpe United and Cheltenham Town are all reported to be interested in the securing the services of the 20-year-old marksmen who found his form at Edgar Street during a loan spell last term.
Hooper, who had previously failed to impress at Roots Hall at League One level could therefore find himself up against both the Bulls and the Blues in the 3rd tier of English football very soon.
Stockport County, Scunthorpe United and Cheltenham Town are all reported to be interested in the securing the services of the 20-year-old marksmen who found his form at Edgar Street during a loan spell last term.
Hooper, who had previously failed to impress at Roots Hall at League One level could therefore find himself up against both the Bulls and the Blues in the 3rd tier of English football very soon.
A Shrimper club spokesman told the Southend Evening Echo: "Gary's availability has alerted a number of clubs and these three are all keen on signing him. It's good because it means his price has gone up and that will boost the transfer kitty the club has to bring in the players they want for next season. It will be interesting to see who the Bulls manager now targets as he has obviously allocated funds for the purpose, but £100,000 for a single player seems to be out of the question."
This all leaves assistant boss Paul Brush realising we might still need 1 or 2 new players to add to the squad. Spot on Brushy. Here's what he said on the official site.
It's never boring supporting the Blues!