Husbands Ties Up Two-Year Deal

Last updated : 26 July 2003 By Robert Craven
Picture courtesy of Dave Scriven @ www.shrimperzone.com
Husbands has given Blues a boost
The 19-year-old has agreed to a two-year deal with the Shrimpers, and celebrated by making an appearance in the club's 1-0 defeat to Canvey Island this afternoon. Husbands, who had also played for Blues in their two prior pre-season friendlies against Ipswich Town and Gillingham, was given a raucous reception by the home crowd as his name was read out as a substitute by Jeff Allen, and another round of applause as he made his first entrance to the playing arena as a contracted Southend player.

It had emerged after manager Steve Wignall had offered the precocious talent a contract, that Gillingham were sniffing around the nippy forward as a result of his performance against United. However, he has turned the Kent side down, citing his enjoyment of pre-season in southeast Essex as the main reason. The teenager told the club's official website, www.southendunited.co.uk, that, "I have made the right choice by signing here. Gillingham made me an offer following the game on Tuesday. I wanted to stay here though, I have had a good time, enjoyed training and feel that everything is geared towards success".

Manager Steve Wignall was equally delighted, and took time to thank the board for their efforts in the signing, stating, "I am pleased that the board offered as much help as was needed in order to secure Michael's signing". Husbands, who was born in Birmingham, had been a Villa player since he was a young boy, joining Hereford United on loan at the end of last season and making five substitute appearances. He is yet to find the back of the net in a competitive fixture. Meanwhile, Leke Odunsi was missing from today's defeat against the Gulls, having failed to respond to Wignall's contract offer as yet.


Michael Husbands Profile

Positions: Centre-forward, Right-wing
Nationality: English
Age: 19 (Born: Birmingham; 13th November 1983)
Height: 5ft 9ins
Weight: 9st 13lbs

Career (0 games, plus 5 as substitute, 0 goals):
Aston Villa (1st August 2002-13th May 2003) - 0 games, 0 goals
Hereford United (loan - 28th December 2002-4th May 2003) - 0(5) games, 0 goals


Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com