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Southend's up-turn in form over the past month, which has included four wins out of the last fives games, has been largely attributed to the assured displays the versatile defender has put in. Naturally a right-back, he also appeared in the centre of defence alongside Leon Cort and in the middle of the park as a partner for Jay Smith in the Shrimpers 1-0 win at Shrewsbury Town. However, with the month-long loan signing of Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Stephen Kelly, it looks as though Sutch will be able to make the right back position his own. He had made 351 appearances in all competitions for Norwich, scoring nine goals.
Meanwhile, Mark Beard, who returned for the Seasider's second-string in last night's 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers, has agreed another deal with Southend to keep him at the club for another month. The 1998/9 Player of the Year, who had been the club's experienced right-back before the arrival of Sutch, continues to play for United on a month-to-month basis. He is joined by Tom Jodan, the lanky centre-back, who has also agreed another month's deal with the Shrimpers. He left the field of play last night with an injury, although the wealth of central defensive talent at the club means that he is a long way from the first team at the moment.
Newman is also on the look-out for a new striker. With Graeme Jones injured and Tesfaye Bramble suspended for three matches after Saturday's clash with Bristol Rovers, the former Norwich man has set his sights on two new forwards. On is believed to be moving permanently, the other on an initial loan deal, although little is known about the moves yet. Some sources suggest a move for a player currently plying his trade for an unnamed First Division side. After suggesting that a move might be made today, the gaffer has now proclaimed that a deal need not be signed until the weekend.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com