The former Eintracht Frankfurt and Auxerre central defender has impressed during pre-season friendlies against Chelmsford City and Millwall, and Steve Tilson told the club’s official website, www.southendunited.co.uk, that he wanted to enter talks with the German-born former Serbia Under-21 international about remaining in Essex.
Jozic, who was attracted to Roots Hall by his agent, today declared, “I’m enjoying it at Southend and I would like to come here.” Having played in the top flight at the French club, the 22-year-old would be taking a step down to play in Coca-Cola League One, and his acquisition may yet depend on whether Tilson can persuade him to sign with Adam Barrett and Spencer Prior the first choice centre-backs during 2004/5.
After gaining the plaudits against the Clarets and then Championship side Millwall in the last week, Jozic continued, “The first match was good last weekend and we did well against Millwall, but I don’t know what is going to happen and whether they want to sign me.”
And as the six-foot five-inch defender hopes to push his talents upon manager Tilson again, he revealed that he was looking forward to Blues’ Roots Hall Fiftieth Anniversary celebrations: “I’m looking forward to the Norwich game on Saturday. It will be our hardest game so far of pre-season and I hope I get a chance to play a part because it will be a good test and another chance to hopefully try and impress the manager.”
He has caught the eye of the club’s supporters, many of whom are now clambering for the tall defender to link up with United, but it will be the dealings between Tilson, chairman Ron Martin and Jozic’s representatives that will ultimately determine whether the Serbian continues to ply his trade in the county.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com