S24 has been told Barney was on 5k a week at Roots Hall, if true his ambition has been suitably rewarded by moving to Hampshire.
Oh well, farewell the good Lord, but who knows, Lee gets injured against Ipswich in the Cup Saturday and is out for the rest of the season while new signing Patters finishes with 15 goals for the Shrimpers, who grab a play-off place with victory at St. Mary's on the last day pipping the Saints by a point.
It could happen.
Barnard: 'I have absolutely loved my two years at Southend'
Anyway, Lee told the Echo: "Southampton is a big club so it was a move I had to make really but it was about my ambition not the money. I feel with Southampton I maybe have a quicker chance of getting into the Championship but it's hard for me to leave Southend. I'm a local lad and I have absolutely loved my two years there. I hope people understand my decision and I want to thank everyone at the club for what they did for me. I wish them all the best for the future and I'm sure they will soon also be on the way up again."
Barney went on to acknowledge his former manager on www.southendunited.co.uk: "I'm really grateful for the club and Chairman for not making things difficult as they would have been well within their right to make me see out my contract. Southend gave me my chance and had it not been for Steve Tilson believing in me then things could have been very different. But this season has been my best in football and I'd put that down to being fit."
Paterson: 'Score as many goals as I can and help Southend up the table'
Matt Paterson is, quite rightly, delighted to be joining the Shrimpers and admits Tilly did a good job selling the club to him.
Matt went on to tell the official site: "First team football is vital for my career and my development and that is what I have been offered here. I made a few appearances at Southampton, but I didn't feel it was enough for my development, so coming to Southend is a great opportunity for me. it seems like a great team bonding here and I'm looking forward to getting out there and working with them."
He accepted it was a tough wrench to leave the Saints where Paterson had worked his way through their youth academy but first team football is what it's all about.
Matt continued: "I can't wait to make my home debut for the club and the chance to show the fans what I can do. My aim between now and the end of
of the season is to score as many goals as I can for the team and help Southend up the table."