The 6ft 4ins tall goalkeeper signed a two-year contract at Roots Hall on Friday night following prior talks with Steve Tilson. Collis had battled hard with Chris Weale for the number one jersey at
Collis explained: “I'm not just signing to sit on the bench, I want to play games, and that sort of healthy competition will benefit both of us (Himself and Darryl Flahavan) as well as the Football Club.”
And the 25-year-old was quick to confirm his main two reasons on signing for the Blues, rather than another year at Huish Park: “I spoke to Efe Sodje earlier this week about the Club and which direction they were going in and he spoke very well of things,” said the former Nottingham Forest trainee.
Collis continued: “Last year what Southend achieved was remarkable and they were by far the best side Yeovil played, both home and away, I'm delighted to be apart of this excellent team.”
Collis replaces former goalkeeper Bart Griemink, who was forced into retirement, amongst the goalkeepers in the Southend ranks.
Elsewhere, Steve Tilson has been further boosted by Mark Gower agreeing a new two-year-contract with the Seasiders. Gower, 27, signed from then conference side Barnet back in the 2003/04 season during the pre-season by Steve Wignall, and has seen a historic rise up the leagues whilst with his new club. The former Tottenham youngsters contract was up at the end of this season, but Gower was delighted both the club and himself could agree on something that would keep the attacking midfielder with the Essex Boys.
Gower told the clubs official site: “The club is moving in the right direction; we've got a new league to play in and obviously this season the teams we're going to be playing against is a joy”
“It's great that the manager wanted me to stay and hopefully we can achieve good things next season.”
Adam Duffill
www.thelittlegazette.com