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Gay made ten starts for United, as well as a substitute appearance at Rochdale late in 2001 after Darryl Flahavan received his marching orders. In those ten games, which included a run of three successive victories as he stood in for the injured Flahavan at the start of 2003, the Kings Lynn-born custodian kept four clean. The 20-year old was also placed on standby for the Wales Under-21 international squad for their match against Azerbajan in March of this year.
Searle was, after Kevin Maher, the most experienced member of the Shrimpers squad, having signed from Carlisle on a free transfer in August 2000. Since then the Welshman has made 158 appearances for the south-east Essex club, scoring four goals in the process, including the 2002/3 Goal of the Season award from the SUSCT and ShrimperZone last night for his fabulous effort against Rushden & Diamonds this spring.
20-year-old Lunan entered the third year of his scholarship this season, and despite making his debut as a late substitute in the last home match of the 2001/2 campaign against Scunthorpe United, failed to figure in the Blues squad all through the last year. He was not helped by a metatarsal injury sustained in December which ruled him out of action for four months, but nevertheless returned to second-string action, eventually becoming one of the most regular members of the side. He was not offered a professional contract by Wignall.
Former Norwich City and Plymouth Argyle man Belgrave drifted in and out of contention, and having picked up a Conference Player-of-the-Month award at Yeovil shortly before joining Southend in September 2001, high things were expected of the David Webb-inspired signing. However, reluctant to play as anything other than an out-and-out striker, the nippy front-runner managed only ten goals in 44 starts, also racking up eighteen substitute appearances. He also failed to impress in reserve team outings throughout the past year as his attitude and commitment came into doubt, and he is now looking for a new club, having originally been made available for transfer by Rob Newman shortly before he left. Newly promoted Aldershot Town were on the verge of capturing the 22-year-old's signature then, and may be interested again.
Salter joined the Shrimpers from non-League side Frome Town last October, signed by Newman as a talented youngster with lots of potential. A year in the reserves beckoned, and Salter netted five times from sixteen starts for Blues Twos. He also made a number of substitute appearances for the first team before scoring his one and only senior goal against local rivals Leyton Orient to give the Seasiders all three points. He made 14 appearances overall, although nine were as a substitute.
The five join temporary signings Tom Jordan, Gavin Strachan and Brett Darby in leaving Roots Hall this summer, and Wignall is set to inform the rest of his squad who will be remaining at the club in the next 24 hours.
We at The Little Gazette would like to wish Danny, Damon, Daniel, Barrington and Mark all the best for the future in finding new clubs and best wishes for the rest of their careers.
Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com