As the Shrimpers are linked with almost every striker available who has experience of playing at Coca-Cola League One standard, Greenacre has been linked for the second time with a summer switch to the southeast Essex coastline. A source reputedly close to the Seasiders, stated to the Echo, “He’s certainly someone they’re looking at. He has a good track record and would do well here”.
Meanwhile, Blues boss Steve Tilson has revealed that he may be prepared to start the 2005/6 campaign with just nineteen full-time professionals. “It would be nice to make a signing soon,” he said, adding, “We’re working hard and hopefully by the start of pre-season training next week we will have a new face with us.”
The Wickford-born Southend legend had been linked with new Brentford capture Lloyd Owusu and Rochdale front man Grant Holt before missing out on both hot-shots, and 27-year-old Greenacre becomes the latest in a long-line of targets. Tilson is expected to enter talks with three strikers before offering a deal to one, who will add to the speed and scoring ability of Wayne Gray and Freddy Eastwood respectively.
Greenacre managed only seven League goals in two seasons with Stoke, during which time he started 44 League One matches. However, his overall record at this standard is good, with 61 goals gleaned from 187 starts and a further 43 substitute appearances. His poor recent return can be explained by a couple of injury-ravaged campaigns.
The Wakefield-born forward began his career at Manchester City as a trainee, managing one League strike from five substitute appearances for the then Maine Road-outfit, that against Crewe Alexandra in the old First Division during the 1997/8 season. By that time he had already spent time out on loan with Cardiff City, and he also visited Blackpool, Scarborough and Northampton Town during a nomadic time with the Blues.
In January 2000, he joined Mansfield Town permanently after five goals in a twelve-match loan spell with the Stags. The free-scoring continued after the Nottinghamshire side were promoted to the Football League’s third tier, with 53 goals in a little over a hundred matches during two-and-a-half seasons. After the switch to the Britannia Stadium, Greenacre has failed to find his feet, but his friendship with Adam Barrett could yet provide an opportunity to come good again.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com