The 21-year-old, who has appeared on thirteen occasions for the Rams first team, has agreed to put pen to paper on a deal which will extend his loan spell until May 2004, a date which should hopefully see Blues clear of the relegation mire that Hunt has so far helped take them three points out of.
Hunt, who has so far made eleven appearances for the Shrimpers, during which time they have conceded just thirteen goals, told the Southend Evening Echo yesterday, “I’m definitely interested in staying here and hopefully everything can be completed quite quickly. There are still a couple of things that need to be sorted out but it would be good to stay here for longer as I’m enjoying my time at Southend”.
It would now appear that those slightly contentious areas have been sorted out, and that Derby and Southend have been able to agree upon a solution that is fair to both parties. Hunt who originally only signed for one month, completed his second thirty day spell at the Hall in the 1-0 defeat to Oxford United on Saturday. He was unable to participate in the first round F.A. Cup win over Canvey Island, but County cleared him to become available for the next round, with saw Hunt sturdy as ever in a 3-0 demolition of Lincoln City. He will now be able to take his place in the side as they face Scarborough this Saturday and then Queens Park Rangers in the LDV Vans Trophy southern section semi-final seventeen days later.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com