ANTHONY Straker opted to join York City after not being offered a two-year deal to stay with Southend United.

Straker turned down Blues’ offer of a new contract in favour of a switch to the Minstermen.

And Shrimpers boss Phil Brown has now revealed it was because he was only prepared to offer the winger another 12 months.

“We couldn’t agree terms with Anthony and he went on to join for York which was his decision,” said the Blues boss.

“Anthony wanted a two-year deal but I was only prepared to give him the one so he ended up leaving.

“We needed to replace him and we have done by bringing in Myles Weston but that was certainly not a knee jerk reaction to Anthony leaving.”

Weston joined became Brown’s first signing of the summer after agreeing a two year deal at Roots Hall.

The 26-year-old was released by Gillingham at the end of last season.

And Brown cannot wait to start working with the winger who he has been tracking since last summer.

“It has been a hard slog and we’ve been following him for about a year now.

“We’ve had good reports back, and the views of Martin Allen and Peter Taylor both gave me a good idea of what type of player we’re bringing to the football club.

“We needed to replace Anthony – but with Myles we’ve got a player who can play left-wing, right-wing or even as a striker. He’s won promotion from this league before and I’m looking forward to working with him.”