Brush: First signing close

1:47pm Wednesday 31st May 2006

Southend United are closing in on their first signing of the summer.

After weeks of worry from the club's supporters - who have seen half a dozen of last season's title winning heroes depart Roots Hall - Blues are on the brink of bolstering their squad.

And assistant manager Paul Brush has revealed there could finally been some positive news in the next few days.

"This is potentially a very big week for the football club," said the former Shrimpers defender.

"There has been some slight progress and although things are still quite slow we're getting optimistic something could be happening soon."

Brush - who has worked wonders alongside Blues boss Steve Tilson to secure two successive promotions - again confirmed Southend were looking to make six signings as they prepare for life in the Championship.

One of those will be a goalkeeper to provide cover for Darryl Flahavan but the Seasiders have been forced to change targets after their initial move for a shot-stopper fell through.

"We've had to change who we're after," confirmed Brush.

"The first target we had became unavailable but we're after another one now and it's important we bring someone in because you always need two keepers in your squad."