Never a dull moment as Sturrock continues to line up possible Shrimper signings

Last updated : 30 July 2010 By westfied shrimper



Josh Simpson: Would be a fair signing for Sturrock if he can pull it off



Ben Gill: caught the eye of the Blues boss in the goalless draw at R&D

It's certainly never dull at Roots Hall and if that transfer embargo is ever lifted we could have a very exciting team to compete in League Two next season.

Manager Paul Sturrock tried out two formations at Nene Park Wednesday, a 4-5-1 when defending but turning into 4-3-3 when attacking, and he was fairly pleased with the results.

Paul told www.southendunited.co.uk: "The formation worked quite well for a first attempt and caused a lot of problems for the other team."

Of course, once again, a number of trailists were seen for the Shrimpers.

Midfielder Josh Simpson, 23, has been told he is not part of Posh boss Gary Johnstone's plans for the new campaign, and he looked fairly lively when he came on for the second half against Rushden & Diamonds, nealy breaking the deadlock with a terrific shot!

Also ex-Brentford centre back Mark Phillips got another chance to impress, and Latvian forward Vitalijs Zils was also on trail in front of Sturrock.

Will Hendry and Luke Prosser, Paul believed Luke, who was on loan at Salisbury City with assistant boss Tommy Widdrington, 'did very well in defence', were also given some game time, and according to BBC Sport, old pro and former Orient left-back Matt Lockwood was seen at some stage, but S24 remains confused on that one, we'll report back!

However, it was a former Arsenal youth in the shape of Ben Gill that really got the juices of the Shrimpers manager flowing!

Paul told www.southendunited.co.uk: "The boy Ben Gill who came on in the second half looked as though he had a semblence of what we are looking for."

Well, that's promising for Ben getting another game at Eastbourne Saturday along with a few more free agents I'm sure!

Meanwhile, the Skelmersdale Advertiser no less, has the Shrimpers sniffing around Skelmersdale United winger Chris Almond, and who are we to argue.