LEE Barnard insists his move to Southampton was made for football reasons not financial.

The striker has now completed a £175,000 switch to the Saints in a move which also sees Matt Paterson go in the opposite direction.

But it was the chance of reaching the Championship which persuaded Barnard to leave.

“Southampton is a big club so it was a move I had to make really but it was about my ambition not the money,” Barnard told the Echo.

“I feel with Southampton I maybe have a quicker chance of getting into the Championship but it’s hard for me to leave Southend.

“I’m a local lad and I have absolutely loved my two years there. I hope people understand my decision and I want to thank everyone at the club for what they did for me.

“I wish them all the best for the future and I’m sure they will soon also be on the way up again.”

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