SOUTHEND United insist they have done everything they can to engage with Elvis Bwomono.

The 22-year-old right-back remains without a club after turning down a contract with the Blues in the summer.

But, speaking at the Shrimpers Trust’s AGM, chief executive Tom Lawrence said the club had tried hard to help Bwomono.

“I don’t want to say too much about the situation with Elvis but we’ve done everything we can to engage with him,” said Lawrence.

“I just think it’s a crying shame he’s not playing at all.”

Bwomono has made 133 senior appearances for the Shrimpers but has not played since May.

However, despite the defender not signing a new deal, Blues are still entitled to compensation should Bwomono sign elsewhere as he remains under the age of 24.