SOUTHEND United have ‘severed all ties’ with striker Nile Ranger.

The controversial forward, who had been dogged by ill-discipline throughout his career, returned to Roots Hall for a second spell last season.

But, after failing to attend physiotherapy sessions to cure a groin injury, Blues boss Phil Brown has confirmed the forward has now left the club.

“When I arrived back at the club I did enquire about Nile Ranger,” said Brown.

“The reply was that he was on the books so I asked as to what level and where he was with regards to his fitness.

“I spoke to the physio, the doctor, the chairman and Ricky Duncan and every one of them was saying he was back for treatment on his groin.

“It was in a bad state.

“He had an operation and the cut had gone septic.

“It was down to his inactivity and we provided a platform and an opportunity for him to get fit and stake a claim for a contract for next year.”

Former Newcastle United forward Ranger was first signed by the Shrimpers back in 2016, when Brown was also in charge.

But he was eventually released in January 2018 due to ‘reccurring discipline issues’ .

Ranger failed to find another professional club before being offered a second chance by previous Blues boss Mark Molesley last season.

However, Ranger suffered a groin injury in his first game back and then fell foul on clauses inserted in his contract.

“He was on a three strike scheme meaning if he was late for three appointments, which is he notoriously renowned for, he would be out,” explained Brown.

“That was verbalised to both himself and the PFA.

“But the very first three appointments he never showed for.

“Never mind being late he just never showed at all so that shows you what you were dealing with.

“Consequently we severed all ties and all relationships with him.”

In total Ranger scored 10 goals in 50 games.