Thurgood Set To Leave Shrimpers

Thurgood leaves to seek pastures new

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Shizumu S-Pulse midfielder Thurgood, who had been with the south-east Essex-based club for over two years, has rejected a deal with the Shrimpers and is now looking for alternative employment. The 21-year-old, who signed from Japanese J-League side S-Pulse in February 2001, is thought to have been offered a contract with lower wages than he had expected, and with a young family to support in his home-town of Enfield, the prospects of plying his trade at Roots Hall no longer appealed.

Explaining the situation on the club's official website, www.southendunited.co.uk, Wignall said, "he has got potential and would only be a fringe player for the forthcoming year especially as he can play in a number of positions. In light of this we made him an offer accordingly". The Liverpool-born boss continued and stated that although he respected the midfielder's decision, the offer would remain on the table for the next few days as the youngster has had trials with some other Football League clubs. However, Wignall concluded by saying, "I do not think he will sign".

Thurgood appeared for the Seasiders on 89 occasions, starting 56 of those games. Indeed, he was a regular in the 2001/2 campaign, but over the past twelve months, with the signing of Jay Smith, the Londoner fell out of first-team recognition, although he was awarded the captaincy of the reserve side. He saved some of his best performances for Blues Twos, and almost single-handedly guided them past Great Wakering Rovers in the Essex Senior Cup Third Round last season, avoiding an embarrasing first attempt exit for United on that occasion. A cult figure amongst some in the crowd who pounced on his 'Bombhead' nickname, Thurgood's only League goal came in the 3-1 win over Mansfield Town, the rearranged fixture after the tragic death of referee Mike North at Roots Hall in the original clash. We at The Little Gazette wish Stuart and his family all the best for the future.

Blues are also waiting on striker Mark Rawle. The forward, who was the club's leading scorer last year with twelve strikes, has until tomorrow, when his contract ends, to get back to Wignall. His agent, Colin Hart, has been furiously touting Rawle around the rest of the Football League, and has revealed that there has been interest from five League clubs as well as an offer from an unnamed Nationwide Conference side. Rawle is happy in Southend, but he has only been offered a similar deal to that of last season. His decision will be revealed here at The Little Gazette as soon as we hear it.

Robert Craven
www.thelittlegazette.com