Shrimpers lose out on Simmo to Crawley: 'Personal terms agreed that League Two sides couldn't match'

Josh Simpson; will not be a Shrimper after all

The saga is over at last, though not a surprise once money changing hands was the deal.

One of the clubs that wanted to take the Shrimpers loanee midfielder Josh Simpson away from his League One parent club Peterborough has won out, before he could sign on the dotted line again for us.

Injured anyway, the Posh have activated a recall clause in his loan deal that was until January 4th, as they have agreed terms with Blue Square Premier team Crawley Town.

Well, they could replace us in the League next season!

www.southendunited.co.uk tells us: 'A good offer was made to Peterborough by the club, who have since agreed a significant fee with another team that far exceeds our valuation of the player. Personal terms by the purchasing club have also been tabled at a level that all sides in League Two would not be able to match'

That Crawley guy must have a few bob then.

Anyway, if you're concerned the official site continues: 'Therefore the manager has decided to allocate those resources available towards other targets and plans to do so are already at an advanced stage.'

That's all right then. (Resources!)

So in one week we've lost the guy who scored the goals in our last away win as well as a very influential midfielder, and Fat Fry gets his dosh after all, happy new year my arse!

Oh, best of luck to Josh.



At a press conference on July 1st, 2010, Crawley co-owner Bruce Winfield said that all of the club's debts had been cleared. He further revealed that friends and business acquaintances of his had come onboard as passive shareholders and so the club had money in the bank.

On December 7thm, 2010, Crawley beat League One Swindon Town 3-2 in a FA Cup 2nd round replay, therefore entering the third round where they play Derby at home live on the box!

Red Devis boss Steve Evans had also been told to get a squad together that could get into the Football League as soon as possible, and he's annoying several managers from the lower tiers by trying to sign every player he can get his hands on!

While striking target Shaun Harrad is not willing to move down a division from League Two rivals Boston United, the west Sussex club did have success a step up when Brentford midfielder David Hunt agreed to join on a month's loan.

Evans said: "I am delighted we have David here, he is a player I have admired for some time.The lad will initially join us for a month's loan but if both parties are happy to make it a permanent deal then it can be done very quickly, Brentford have agreed to that pre-requisite from ourselves."

Blimey, this lot can obviously cover the wages!

Look at those matches in hand