Blues gunning to sign Freddy (From Echo)

Southend United gunning to sign Freddy Eastwood

12:43pm Monday 25th June 2012 in Blues By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock remains in transfer talks with Freddy Eastwood and is still determined to bring the striker back to Roots Hall on a permanent basis.

Eastwood, who ended last season on loan with Blues, is also being targeted by League One Stevenage.

But Sturrock has not given up hope of signing the 28-year-old.

“We’re still very much in discussions with Freddy and I have met with his agent to discuss a deal because I’d like him to stay with us,” said Sturrock.

“I don’t think we saw the best of him when he was here last year because he wasn’t really match fit and he had a problem with his knee.

“Despite that, he was still able to get a couple of games and he still has that ability to change a game.

“He’s also had an operation to cure the knee injury now and he’s someone who I think would do a good job for us next season so I’m still trying to bring him in.”

Eastwood was a huge success during his first spell with Southend, scoring 65 goals in 165 games as Steve Tilson’s side secured two successive promotion to get in to the Championship.

However, since leaving the club in the summer of 2007, Eastwood has failed to impress at both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City.

And Sturrock feels that is likely to result in the forward having to accept a pay cut.

“The money Freddy has been on for the last few years is a million miles away from we can afford to pay and that may be hard for him to get his head around,” said Sturrock.

“He has to be appreciative of that and what’s likely but the fans love him here and he likes living in the area too so I’m hoping that will work in our favour because we do want him here again next season.”

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