Matt Paterson: Gillingham hand him some match time, but send him back
With both Blues boss Paul Sturrock and CEO Tara Brady making on the record statements that they are concerned about the size of the Shrimpers playing squad, 29 full time pros at the last count, high wage earner the striker Matt Paterson was top of the list to find another club, especially as Luggy has made it quite clear he doesn't appreciate the players skills.
Tough on Matt, many of the faithful believe, he does at least find the back of the net when given the chance, but the same supporters appreciate it's probably best for all parties now that he moves on.
And Patters has certainly tried, even though he can stay at Roots Hall with his feet up and see out a Southend deal that doesn't finish until next summer, with a successful loan period at Stockport County last season not being followed up, then trials with both League Two rivals Oxford United and Gillingham, now having failed to offer the former Southampton youngster a contract.
http://www.kentonline.co.uk has reported that though Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler 'remains in the hunt for at least one more striker before the season begins on Saturday. He will have been releaved to see both Oli and Payne in action again, as at present they are his only options in attack alongside Danny Kedwell.'
However, 'they will not be following up on the Shrimpers unwanted striker Matthew Paterson. It was the striker’s second and last showing for the Gills, having appeared briefly against Peterborough on Saturday, as he failed to do enough to impress.'
If it's because his wages in the bottom tier just don't match his performances in these games we have no way of knowing, but it's beggining to look as if Patters will certainly stay a Shrimper in the short term, Harry Crawford has more chance of being shipped out to Kettering, and if new signing Liam Dickinson is not fit enough to line-up with Bomber Harris in Saturday's league opener against Hereford, could Matt be given the call?
All the evidence would point to; 'highly unlikely.'