Michael Timlin; a Luggy fave
Midfielder Michael Timlin remains in talks with both Swindon Town, with whom he is now out of contract, and the Shrimpers, where he was on loan last year.
The Wiltshire side have offered him a new deal on reduced terms, which could open the door for cash strapped Southend and a return to working with Blues boss Paul Sturrock.
Timlin joined the Robins from Fulham on a permanent basis in 2008 after being brought to the club on loan two years earlier by Sturrock.
Speculation on possible transfer targets for the Shrimpers have been focused on players that Luggy has worked with before, let's face it he have history on that front, and with a number of ex-Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday players in the present squad, sometimes turning out for both, and another team we have the odd ex-member of are certainly Swindon!
While on loan Michael scored a cracking free-kick at Hereford, where he was covering for another former Swindon player in Captain Craig Easton, who was out injured at the time.
Message boards were abuzz when Echo journalist Chris Phillips tweeted: 'Just taken a call from Swindon Advertiser linking Michael Timlin with a return to Roots Hall', however, he did follow this up with: 'Source close to the club says Timlin is one of about 50 players being considered by club.'
If we do win out, and a lot depends on whether we can at least match Swindon's offer, loyalty means nothing in this game, (though look what Timlin says if he does sign for us), and it would be interesting where Michael would fit in an already strong midfield, or if he would replace Captain Craig, his new deal remains unsigned, or a departing Anthony Grant or Kane Ferdinand, rumours of West Ham interest this morning, we will have to see.
Timlin has made 119 league appearances for Swindon, scoring 6 times, but he certainly has respect for Sturrock, telling www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk: "Paul Sturrock took over from Dennis Wise and I was his first signing, coming in on loan and staying until the end of the season as we won promotion to League One. He (Sturrock) has proven that he knows how to get teams out of leagues. He has done it with Sheffield Wednesday, he has done it with Plymouth and Swindon and is now trying to do it with Southend, so you have to give him credit."
(For the full article, go here:
www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/leagueone/news_articles/
9035202.Timlin_hopeful_to_have_chance_to_use_experience/)
Luggy told www.southendunited.co.uk last November: "We'd have liked to have kept Michael until the end of his loan but he's a Swindon player and they need him. Craig Easton should be in our thinking for the weekend after his injury so that softens the blow somewhat."
The Timlin Saga
He's here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
Luggy's sniffing around: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
Captain Craig's warning: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
Luggy looks to Uncle Ron for dosh (stop laughing): www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
He's staying: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
Oh no he's not: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
He could be back!: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/
The Timlin Files