Blues Boss Steve Wignall today confirmed he was still searching for another striker after seeing his side endure a frustrating spell in front of goal during pre-season.

The shot-shy Shrimpers netted just four times in their five warm up fixtures with Tes Bramble's strike against Ipswich Town the only effort scored by a forward.

Steve Wignall - search for another striker to join his Blues revolution goes on Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

"I'm reasonably happy with the squad I've got here at the moment but, as everyone knows, I think we need another centre forward," admitted Wignall.

"We've got three at the moment but it's something we're looking at. The budget isn't going to stretch forever and we've made something like 13 signings in the past eight weeks.

"That's taken some doing but there's no panic to bring in another forward. Jim Corbett and Mark Gower can both play up front but our main problem during pre-season has definitely been scoring goals.

"We've created enough chances but we just haven't quite hit the mark yet. It is a concern but it's the same for every club and we're going to keep working on it in training."

Wignall also confirmed long-term groin injury victim Jay Smith is recovering well and has been training this week.

Published Thursday, August 7, 2003

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