Four in and one staying?

6:00am Friday 8th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin hopes to make two more new signings before tomorrow’s season’s opener with Peterbor-ough United at Roots Hall.

The Shrimpers have already completed the free transfer of midfielder Anthony Grant from Chelsea and brought in winger Kevin Betsy from Bristol City for a nominal fee last night.

But Martin, who also revealed the club had turned down an offer from Crystal Palace for transfer listed midfielder Nicky Bailey, is still chasing another pair of targets.

One of those is left-back Dan Harding, who is close to completing a six-month loan move from Ipswich Town, but Blues are also chasing a young League One centre-back.

“We’ve signed Anthony on a two-year deal but I also hope to have another three players in the next day or two, hopefully before tomorrow’s game,” said Martin.

“One of those is on loan but the other two we’re looking to buy because we know we need to reinforce the ranks.”

Martin is confident of pushing for promotion and manager Steve Tilson has similar ambitions.

He guided Blues into the play-offs last season and is again plotting a top six finish.

“We only have a small squad but we’re looking to emulate what we did last term,” said Tilson.

“We have a great spirit and if we can get into the play-offs then we will have done excellently.”

Tilson has been boosted by news that Damian Scannell (groin) and James Walker (thigh) have both been passed fit.

But he knows they and the rest of the team must be at their best to trouble a Peterborough side which also seems set to challenge for a place in next season’s Championship.

“With the backing they have I expect them to be there or thereabouts again,” he said.

Southend: (from) Mildenhall, Francis, Clarke, Barrett, Sankofa, Scannell, Bailey, Moussa, Walker, Barnard, Furlong, Revell, Grant, Joyce, Herd, O’Keefe.