Southend revive Belford interest (From Echo)

Southend United revive Cameron Belford interest

1:42pm Wednesday 27th June 2012 in npower League Two Table & Results By Chris Phillips

SOUTHEND United have renewed their interest in Cameron Belford.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who ended last season on loan at Blues, revealed last month how he expected to be heading back to Bury.

But it is now believed Southend have come back in for the shot-stopper.

The League Two club have been tracking former Swindon Town keeper Phil Smith for most of the summer over making a free transfer switch.

But the Echo understands that they have now also been back in touch with Belford, who kept eight clean sheets in 15 games while with Blues last season.

Southend are also keen to strengthen their defence ahead of the new season and have been linked with a swoop for Aldershot Town’s out-of-contract left-back Anthony Straker.

The 23-year-old started his career at Crystal Palace before joining Aldershot in 2007.

Straker has since gone on to make 222 appearances for the Shots and has developed a reputation as an attack-minded defender who can deliver accurate crosses.

He can also operate in midfield and has played international football for Grenada, having previously represented England at under-18 level.

Peter Gilbert, who was Blues’ first choice left-back for most of last season, has yet to agree a new deal with the club after his contract expired at the end of last season.

Southend’s club chiefs were not willing to comment on the situation but it is also understood that Blues remain in talks with a centre-back who played in League Two last season.