Shrimpers sacrificed: 'Ron said wages are quite high so may decide to get rid of a few of us'

Macca in May: 'Every player wants to play as high as they can and I'm no different'

Shrimpers resident rotweiller Alan McCormack had a mixed season, nearly off to Millwall in the January transfer window, but started to show his best form as the season ended sadly in relegation to League Two.

He even scored the winner in the 89th minute against Stockport County to send the Blues faithful home with a smile on their face.

However, as the player joined his team mates on the traditional lap of honour after the club's final home game, many felt he looked as if this could be his own last game for the team.

And the player himself blamed it all on Uncle Ron. What a surprise.

Macca spoke to www.southendunited.co.uk: "It's his decision really. He said wages at the club are quite high so may be he might decide to cut it and get rid of a few of us which is up to him. We will have to wait and see what happens but I've been here for four years and if I could have a fifth with success then I would be more than happy to stay. If the chairman accepts an offer though and I felt it was right for me then I would have to think about it. Every player wants to play as high as they can and I'm no different."

So that didn't sound promising over six weeks ago, and nothing's changed, in fact after a couple of bizzare club statements, it's probably got worse, and we are all waiting for a real exodus away from SUFC.

As he also said at the time: "The fans have been there for us in rain and snow both at home games and away and have still come along to get behind us even with all the problems we've faced. To be honest they have deserved more than they've got this season and to have more than 7,000 at a game like this shows that the club is capable of attracting big crowds."

And last night's edition of our local paper?

That unamed source told www.echo-news.co.uk: "Alan is another player who is looking for a new club. He has been told he needs to be off the wage bill next season and it is therefore quite unlikely he will be with Southend when the new season kicks off in August."

Thanks guys for that exclusive!

As we said with Adam though, in these hard times, there might not be a lot of clubs willing to take a chance on our favourite tough-tackling midfielder, so he may still be here to start the new season whatever the club actually wants.

In the S24 poll last month on who supporters felt was going to leave in the summer Macca was voted in joint first place along with another wantaway in player-of-the-year Simon Francis.

So who is next in line for an Echo scoop; well, we'll take a look at the present contract situation shortly.

The Macca Files

Macca spent two previous spells on loan with the club, and has a year left on his contract after joining Southend on a permanent basis in January 2007.

He's played 165 games as a Shrimper and scored 18 goals in all competitions.