Mark Rawle revealed today he had turned his back on Southend United because he did not feel wanted by the club.
The striker has made himself unpopular with Blues' fans after joining Third Division rivals Oxford on a free transfer, despite agreeing a new one-year Roots Hall deal.
Mark Rawle - claimed he never intended to leave Southend but felt unwanted
But the 24-year-old, who cost the Shrimpers £60,000 from Boston three years ago, claimed he never wanted to quit the Essex coast.
"It was never my intention to leave Southend, but I didn't feel wanted by the club," said Rawle.
"Last season I was the club's top-scorer. I only got 12 goals, but it was more than anybody else and I think I should have been rewarded for it.
"The club made me a poor offer though. It was the same basic wage as last season with an extra, but very small, incentive based around goals, which wouldn't have made much difference."
Rawle, who scored home and away against Oxford last season, also said he never meant to deceive Blues' fans and club manager Steve Wignall.
"I reluctantly agreed to take up Southend's offer as I didn't want to be without a job," he added.
"I rang Blues to tell them I would sign last Friday, but then my agent informed me he had agreed a one-year deal with Oxford.
"The Southend manager has criticised me for going back on my word, but I never meant to deceive anyone. I just felt Oxford wanted me more than Blues."
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Published Wednesday, June 25, 2003
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