Jupp and Bentley, who had been a part of both the blues recent promotion campaigns, were offered one-year contracts with the Shrimpers but presumably to keep themselves and their young families secure, the duo opted for a drop in division but perhaps more importantly for themselves, a two-year contract.
‘Juppy' as he is famously known will be best remembered for his dramatic and solitary goal for Southend in the League One play-off final in May 2005, where his darting run forward with just two minutes of extra time remaining was probably one of the most draining yet happy of the former Scotland Under-21 international's career, as it helped the Seasiders on their way to a 2-0 victory over Lincoln City at the Millenium Stadium.
‘Beno' also played in that match, and won the corner that lead to Freddy Eastwood's goal in the same game that Jupp scored. Throughout his Southend career, he has offered a new dimension in midfield, running at players with good speed for a tall player whilst giving the Blues that vital strength – a box-to-box player. Bentley was also Steve Tilson's first ever signing in football management.
However everything good must end soon enough, and Steve Tilson was full of praise for the pair, explaining to the clubs official website: “Mark and Duncan have opted for more security and decided to sign for Gillingham which is their choice, a move to Gillingham will offer them 40 plus matches next season and we couldn't say for definite if we could give them that,” said a presumably slightly disappointed Tilson.
The Blues boss went on: “It's refreshing to see two players move because they want to play games and for no other reason.”
“Both players have been fantastic servants for us over the past two seasons and I wish them all the best for future.”
Duncan Jupp was one of Steve Wignall's first signings at the same time three years ago, first bringing the former Wimbledon full back in on trial from Luton Town before making the transfer permanent at the start of pre-season training as a free transfer.
He then started the season moderately well, getting caught out of position on various occasions but also making superb runs forward and giving the wide much more strength down the right hand side of midfield.
After a fairly shaky time in and out of the team, Jupp eventually established his game and his place in the team, playing his part in the now famous 2-1 FA Cup replay against
One man who had made such a big impact on the Roots Hall scene that some were placing the blame of the defeat on the fact he wasn't playing was Mark Bentley. Bentley had been signed from Dagenham and Redbridge in March 2004 for an undisclosed fee on a two and a half year contract, and had been stunning in his opening games, creating chances and making himself at home in the midfield, whilst also grabbing his first goal for the Blues at home to Darlington – a rippling drive in a 3-2 win at Roots Hall.
The next season saw the pair as regular starters as the blues stalled again, but Bentley and Jupp remained regular starters and both played their part in another LDV Vans Trophy run and final, which Jupp picked up his second runners up medal, and more importantly the League One Play-Off final. Mark Bentley's weak shot was pushed wide by the goalkeeper and from the resulting corner Freddy Eastwood slotted the ball home. Twenty odd minutes later, Duncan Jupp made a darting 50-yard run down the right hand side of the pitch…we all know what happened next…
After competent seasons and another promotion, it was certainly no surprise to see the pair offered one-year-contracts. However, in modern day football, if you know your job is done and your day is up you have to go, and obviously both Jupp, who will probably finish his career at Priestfield now, and Bentley, 28, have obviously made a move that will secure not only first team football for themselves but also food on the table their families.
From everyone at TLG thank you very much for everything chaps, and good luck with the rest of your careers. I am sure everyone will agree you have placed yourselves in the history books as being part of a team that has been one of the most successful in the clubs now 100-year history, and we hope that you have many fond memories from your time at Roots Hall.
Adam Duffill
www.thelittlegazette.com