Shrimpers Summer Update

So Sunny Sarfend jetted off to Scotland on Thursday for their pre-season summer training camp at Stirling University and to take part in a mini tournament involving Dundee, Raith Rovers and East Fife.

The Shrimpers will play Dundee on Saturday, followed by a game against either Raith or East Fife on Sunday. Current manager and ex-Dundee United player Paul Sturrock is expecting a hostile reception from the Dundee faithful, as whilst manager of Plymouth Argyle he jokingly referred to his bitter rivals as 'Scumdee', something which Dundee have not forgotten.

Amongst those traveling up to Scotland were trialist Ryan Leonard, who played two games in two days and scored two absolute screamers, and new boys Neil Harris, signed from Millwall, Alassane N'Diaye, signed on a season long loan from Crystal Palace, and Jemal Johnson, who was a free agent but is probably best remembered for his time at MK Dons.

Another possible new face to the ranks could be Rohan Ricketts, who scored a hat-trick on Tuesday night against Great Wakering Rovers in a friendly.

The ex-Arsenal, Spurs and Wolves winger took part in a behind closed doors 'open trials' game at Southend's training ground on Saturday, and then came down from Coventry on Tuesday to take part in the Wakering game. Sturrock has confirmed the Club has opened talks with the 28 year old, who seems keen to sign, but whether the Shrimpers budget will cover what Ricketts asks for remains to be seen.

Apparently news broke today ( Friday ) that we have rejected a £300k offer from Peterborough United for young midfielder Kane Ferdinand, who was watched by various scouts towards the end of last season, including Ipswich Town. Ferdinand, who only made his football league debut on New Years Day, has made 22 first team appearances for the Shrimpers and is highly regarded by both his manager and the fans. Something tells me this won't be the last bid we turn down for the services of young Kane.......

Up the Shrimpers

Lee Morgan

http://www.twitter.com/LeeM_007

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