Southend United axe falls

3:09pm Friday 18th May 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips

Glenn Morris - among those released by Southend United Glenn Morris - among those released by Southend United

SOUTHEND United have started their restructuring ahead of next season by releasing 11 members of their first team squad.

Manager Paul Sturrock, who saw his side suffer a heart-breaking exit against Crewe Alexandra in the play-offs on Wednesday night, met with his squad at the club’s Boots and Laces training ground yesterday.

And the Echo understands among those not being offered new contracts are goalkeeper Glenn Morris, midfielder Lee Sawyer and striker Blair Sturrock.

Others to be let go are forwards Harry Crawford and Anto Flood while youngsters Kyle Asante, Merrick James-Lewis, George Smith, Teddy Nesbitt, James Stevens and George Artemi have all been told they do not have a future at Roots Hall.

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO

Comments(17)

Shrimpers Not Blues says...
5:10pm Fri 18 May 12

Disappointing that Lee Sawyer and Harry Crawford are being released.

Good luck to all, hope you find new clubs.

Report this post »

gary 51 says...
10:01pm Fri 18 May 12

Agree Shrimper Lee Sawyer was a surprise, I could name another 5 to me didn't perform, Timlin needs to know when he passes a ball we play in blue or pink,Neil Harris on a jolly, Elliott Benyon, Peter Gilbert and Dave Martin Conference material still we might be there next season!

Report this post »

southend11 says...
9:56am Sat 19 May 12

dare I say it, great though it was to get Freddy back, he didn't do a lot, didn't look fit and worst of all, from the games I saw he didn't look up for it, probably get a barage of replies but that's how it seemed to me. Timlin stopped performing as well once he became permanent, Harris can't make my mind up but he did gee players up on Wednesday, Sawyer hasn't really have a chance, what happened there? Get Belford and Hills, and a couple of mobile players and we'll do it next season. utb!

Report this post »

orsettblue says...
11:42am Sat 19 May 12

I'd add Barker, Gilbert, Benyon to that list oh and Prosser - all let us down this season. You're right Timlin has been woeful the last dozen games.

I said in another comment, I want to remember Freddie as he was, not what we saw this season.

Report this post »

Seasider90 says...
12:09pm Sat 19 May 12

Sawyer - a player who can actually pass a ball not kept as he obviously doesnt fit in to Sturrocks long ball game plans. I'd only keep Phillips out of the whole defence. Timlin shocking towards the end of the season. Why sign Anto Flood and not give him a game? Puzzling to say the least.

Report this post »

chelmsfordshrimper says...
2:24pm Sat 19 May 12

southend11 wrote:
dare I say it, great though it was to get Freddy back, he didn't do a lot, didn't look fit and worst of all, from the games I saw he didn't look up for it, probably get a barage of replies but that's how it seemed to me. Timlin stopped performing as well once he became permanent, Harris can't make my mind up but he did gee players up on Wednesday, Sawyer hasn't really have a chance, what happened there? Get Belford and Hills, and a couple of mobile players and we'll do it next season. utb!
why belford? i don't rate him at all. sign daniels better than morris, belford and bentley put together

Report this post »

SUFC1906 says...
2:55pm Sat 19 May 12

Why Belford? Because Daniels was never available on a permanent move as he wants to stay in the Premiership with West Brom. He only came to Southend to help out & get 1st team football rather than West Brom reserves. Belford is the best of the other keepers used last season & would only drop one Division if he confirms a permanent move.

Report this post »

bong74 says...
4:00pm Sat 19 May 12

i think with the players we had last season, we got to the play offs, i am shaw that sturrock knows he will need a stronger team for next season, by letting some players go, i hope he can get some good player in to do the job, and make a team good enough for league 1!!

Report this post »

Chris57 says...
12:11am Sun 20 May 12

The axe has fallen on me as well. After all these years I have not renewed my season ticket as I can't stand another year of boring, negative football. Good luck to Sawyer and Crawford; obviously the manager (or is it misery guts Coughlan) just doesn't like you and is not even willing to give you a chance. Just remember that Gary Hooper couldn't get a game a few years back and look at him now. Goodbye everyone. I'd like to say it's been fun but this season has been anything but.

Report this post »

chelmsfordshrimper says...
8:56am Sun 20 May 12

SUFC1906 wrote:
Why Belford? Because Daniels was never available on a permanent move as he wants to stay in the Premiership with West Brom. He only came to Southend to help out & get 1st team football rather than West Brom reserves. Belford is the best of the other keepers used last season & would only drop one Division if he confirms a permanent move.
good point, but does daniels really think hes going to be 1st choice at west brom ahead of foster and fulop

Report this post »

Seasider90 says...
9:59am Sun 20 May 12

Let's be honest we've got no money so we'll get players released by other clubs. I would like to know if the defenders are told to welly the ball up to the forwards and bypass midfield or whether they make their own decision. Why Sturrock thought it a good tactic to lump it up to Benyon who is a midget and hasnt got the strength to hold off a 10 year old God only knows. Think there will be a few more out of the exit door. Hopefully we'll get better players in than last year. Gutted for Sawyer - he could actually pass a ball to a blues shirt unlike a few players I could mention.

Report this post »

Seasider90 says...
9:59am Sun 20 May 12

Let's be honest we've got no money so we'll get players released by other clubs. I would like to know if the defenders are told to welly the ball up to the forwards and bypass midfield or whether they make their own decision. Why Sturrock thought it a good tactic to lump it up to Benyon who is a midget and hasnt got the strength to hold off a 10 year old God only knows. Think there will be a few more out of the exit door. Hopefully we'll get better players in than last year. Gutted for Sawyer - he could actually pass a ball to a blues shirt unlike a few players I could mention.

Report this post »

chris.taylo297@ntlworld says...
11:32am Sun 20 May 12

Well I heard it was lee off field antics that cost him a contract but agree never given a fair crack off the whip as for flood what's going on we sign some one that quote is a goal scorer than don't use him you have to question team selections a few time this season and defo the home leg off the semi final come bennie up front 1st half then say we wasn't good enougth what do you expect when the ball don't stick
We'll I'm just hoping we keep key players this coming season up the blues from Luton blues

Report this post »

SUFC1906 says...
3:54pm Sun 20 May 12

Lets not forget that these players being released are out of contract anyway so become free transfers. Its quite likely that others are being kept on waiting for a club somewhere to put in a big enough offer. Would offers be accepted for the likes of Hall, Ferdinand, Phillips or even Mohsni? Apart from these, what other players might attract interest?

Report this post »

notinwestcliffanymore says...
12:07pm Mon 21 May 12

sturrock out paul ince in anyone?

Report this post »

essextoppy says...
1:28pm Mon 21 May 12

Sorry to see Sawyer go but he never really got much of a chance to show what he is capable of. Sure he'll get picked up by another club, and he'll probably go on to score against us! Blair Sturrock won't be missed by anyone other than his dad.

Report this post »

Southchurch Steve says...
6:06pm Mon 21 May 12

Never rated Sawyer so not too sorry to see him go. And he's not suited to our play at all.
Morris is a bit unlucky but I'm hoping that means Belford is staying on.
Can't believe anyone is criticising Harris. On a jolly? Are your for real? He runs the channels like a proper striker and creates space. He's the class act in our team.
Regardless of all the negativity there was always only one auto place up for grabs this season. Swindon and Crawley had far bigger and better squads than the rest. And therefore it was always 1+1 from about 8 teams. We did ok given we had a patched up squad for most of it, and nearly sealed promotion. We caught Crewe at the wrong time really, but that's the playoffs for you.
Hall is a must keep, although he'll be courted by plenty in L1. Other prized assets are Harris, Clohessy, Phillips, Timmo, Granty and big Liam. The others are readily replaceable.

Chin Up Blues.

Report this post »

click2find

Get Adobe Flash player
About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree