BLUES boss Paul Sturrock has revealed that the signing of left-back Anthony Straker does not necessarily mean Peter Gilbert will be heading out of Roots Hall.

Gilbert, who was Southend’s first choice left-back for most of last season, is now out of contract at the club after failing to agree a new deal.

But Sturrock refuted suggestions that the defender would definitely be leaving.

“Gilly is a different type of left-back to what we have in the squad and I need to look at our budget and see where our remaining money would be best spent,” said Sturrock.

“No decisions have been made at the moment and we are still talking to Gilly.”

Sturrock will also be running the rule over a number of trialists in a specially-arranged match at the club’s Boots & Laces training ground this Saturday.