League One defender says no to Shrimpers

Last updated : 26 January 2010 By westfield shrimper

The Shrimpers will not have a new centre-back in place for tonights' tough fixture in South London against the Lions.

S24 were informed that that Southend were interested in Lincoln City's János Kovács who has now joined Luton, however the Echo insist Blues boss Steve Tilson held transfer talks with an unamed player 'on the books of a League One club', but he has turned down the move.

To be honest, if true, it's a relief that we were at least looking at someone in the same league and who might not be going to Luton!

Some may say a convienient breaking story the day Kovács goes to another club two tiers below us in the League ladder. (Be ironic if Chris Phillips of the Echo, who has had his run-ins with Chairman Ron Martin this season ends up helping him out.)

Yet, the result is the same. Uncle Ron, for all his defiant words, has not delivered with a few days of the transfer window left, then it's back to possible emergency loans.

With Sunderland loanee Jean-Yves M'Voto not considered fit enough, and the home side handing a debut to 6ft 4in giant Shaun Batt, on loan from Championship Peterborough, out of position Simon Francis, along with captain Adam Barrett, will once again line-up together in the centre of defence to do their best for the cause.