Jupp Set To Join

Jupp should seal the deal tomorrow

The 28-year-old full-back, who can play on either side of the pitch, has been training with the Shrimpers for the past two weeks as part of a recovery from a series of injuries in the latter part of his career. The former Division One talent played in the final two Avon Insurance Combination fixtures of 2002/3 for Blues Twos and made an instant impression on Wignall with consistent displays against Bristol Rovers and Norwich City, especially in terms of coaxing the younger members of the squad.

At that point, the former Doncaster Rovers and Colchester United manager expressed an interest in bringing the Scottish-born player to Roots Hall, providing he could prove his fitness. Having done that in a fortnight of rigorous pre-season training and the fitness programme issued by messrs Stewart Robson and Wignall over the summer, Jupp will now become the Liverpudlian's seventh signing of the summer.

Wignall commented to the club's official website, www.southendunited.co.uk, that he was "very pleased...He had an operation [on his troublesome knee] in the summer, which was only minor and that's cleared up. He has done all of the training that we have asked of him and he looks very fit". Continuing the positive remarks, Wignall said, "I think that if he plays most of the season for us next year he'll be one of the best right-backs in the division".

Jupp will put pen to paper tomorrow and, providing he passes a medical, be a full member of the Shrimpers squad by the time that they play the first pre-season friendly at Roots Hall against Ipswich Town next Tuesday. The Little Gazette will provide more response and a full biography, as well as a profile in the relevant section, when he signs.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com