Malone to stay until the end of the season
With the aftershock of Lee Barnard's transfer to Southampton still rippling around Roots Hall Uncle Ron has done what he usually does when he thinks there's criticism of his control of the club in the air, tell us how positive things truly are, and to be honest in this case, why not?
First, of course, we have got a new striker in Matt Paterson and whose to say he won't prove to be a decent replacement for the good Lord.
Then the news that the left back from Premiership Wolverhampton Wanderers Scott Malone, has had his loan period extended until the end of the season. Not so good for Johnny Herd.
Martin: 'We hope to have a centre-back signed before the weekend'
Chairman Ron had first given another reason for Barney's departure, telling www.southendunited.co.uk: "Had we kept Lee against his wishes it may have been hard for him to become motivated which we have seen before with players."
Fair enough Ron, but then he went on to give what the faithful wanted to hear; players coming in, not anymore going out!
The Blues supremo explained: "We hope to have a permanent centre-back signed before the weekend also. There is also a possibilty of taking a striker on alos until the end of the season but that might not happen before the Wycombe match."
Big Janos; Is he the centre back Uncle Ron's talking about?
The central defender may well be Lincoln's János Kovács, as S24 reported two days ago that Shrimpers were leading the race for that particular player.
Yes, he got sent off, unluckily, for Chesterfield in that amazing 4-3 win where Freddie grabbed a hat-trick, and Barnet and Luton being the other two clubs involved doesn't get you too excited, but hey, he's big and strong and cheap, and that's about all the club are in the market for at the moment.
You can catch up on that story here:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
shrimpers_lead_chase_for_imps_defender_jnos_kovcs_485147/index.shtml
As for the striker, we wait to hear more, but the signs are not looking good for James Walker, who S24 would not be surprised to hear has been loaned out again sometime next week.