|
It appears as if the six-foot five-inch stopper has managed to do this as Tilson has commented on his trialists fruition in just two games. "I thought Nikola Jozic did very well this evening so maybe we will have a chat with him and see what could happen," said the Blues chief in his port-match reaction to the club's official website, www.southendunited.co.uk.
Despite Jozic’s impressive performances and the team's successful appearance against Championship side Millwall, Tilson still stressed the need to sign a striker. "Obviously we need a centre forward, but Lawson did very well today and will now train with us from now on and we try and bring him through," Tilly told the site.
With time counting down until the first whistle of the 2005/2006 season Tilson and Brush appear to have sorted the defence and midfield out, although at least one more front man would be very helpful.
Tilson admitted as much when he commented, "Without a shadow of a doubt we need to add to the side, and we are working hard towards that. We only have 17 signed players and at this moment in time that isn't enough."
In addition to Jozic, the former Eintracht Frankfurt and Auxerre youngster, Tilson has also spied upon ex-Tottenham Hotspur Under-16s captain Mark Wright at left full-back. Although his displays have been less assured, the lack of a genuine back-up to Che Wilson could prove a concern. And Kurt Husnu is next in line as a genuine left-footer should new signing Mitchell Cole pick up a knock.
Whilst the 38-year-old Southend manager looks hopefully towards signing a new forward, Maldon Town youngster Paul Goodacre has yet to be given a full opportunity. He played 30 seconds of the 2-0 win over the Lions, committing one awful tackle in that time that would undoubtedly have seen him shown a yellow card had the fixture been competitive.
However, the Ryman League teenager could be awarded another chance, either against Norwich City if a deal to bring Jozic to southeast Essex is agreed, or at his current employers Maldon Town, whom United face on July 26 at the Wallace Binder Ground.
By Matt Donohue and Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com