TRANSFER NEWS UPDATE: Earthquake Ronnie hits the Hall. Richter Scale Five!

Last updated : 06 June 2008 By Shrimpers24


The trio all played a key part in helping the Shrimpers reach the League One play-offs last season. But, after talks broke down over new deals, chairman Ron Martin has opted to make them all available. As ever in football nowadays, money has talked.

"We have been unable to agree revised contracts with Peter, Simon and Nick. All three refused improved contracts and as a consequence we will transfer list them with immediate effect and use those proceeds to reinvest back into the squad. The football club won't be had to ransom by players and their agents; we would rather have players that truly wish to be here."

That makes a whole team of players listed or sacked in a few weeks, at least it's happening in early June and not a week before the first fixture of next season. It's also not guaranteed that all three will leave the club though Uncle Ron is playing a dangerous game of chess.

In fact, Uncle Ron's decision came as a surprise to Francis' agent Tommy Cunningham, who insisted the defender wanted to stay with the Shrimpers.

"This is news to me and I'm surprised by it to say the very least," he said. "Southend spoke to us and we went back with an counter-deal which is how it works in this industry. Normally you hold more talks again and meet somewhere in the middle. I was waiting for the club to come back to me. I haven't heard back from them since the middle of last week and Simon doesn't want to leave. This has come as a shock to me and obviously we'll be contacting the club to try and hold more talks."

This summer is going to be the toughest test yet for Tilly and Brush.

The Full List:

Released: Tommy Black, Kevin Maher, Che Wilson, Lewis Hunt and Steve Collis; Transfer-listed: Peter Clarke, Gary Hooper, Simon Francis, Nicky Bailey, Richie Foran, Matt Harrold and Charlie MacDonald; Soon to be out of contract: Darryl Flahavan and Mark Gower; Listed for loan: Clarke Masters, Peggy Lokando and Charles Ademeno; Returned to clubs after being on loan at Blues: Charlie Mulgrew and Hal Robson-Kanu.

Enjoy your Piña Coladas!