Southend United have finally solved their goalkeeping headache by agreeing a two-year contract with Carl Emberson.

The 29-year-old, who played under Blues boss Steve Wignall at his former club Colchester, will join on a free transfer after being released by Second Division Luton Town.

Taking Root - Carl Emberson, seen here celebrating promotion with Colchester United, has ended Steve Wignall's search for a goalkeeper

Wignall axed both of the Shrimpers' senior custodians, Darryl Flahavan and Danny Gay, at the end of last season.

And after failing to lure England under-21 goalie Rhys Evans to Roots Hall, as well as being turned down by a First Division goalie, he said he was delighted to have captured his Layer Road old boy.

"Carl is a vastly experienced goalkeeper who wanted to come here and help us," said Wignall. "He has taken a big pay cut to join Southend in Division Three, but he is excited about the future here and wants to help us be successful.

"Everything has been agreed and I'm expecting him to join the rest of the lads for pre-season training this weekend."

Emberson stands 6ft 2ins tall and has played more than 300 senior games. He began life at Millwall, before joining Colchester for £25,000, which was followed by a spell at Walsall and then Luton.

He clocked up a double century at Layer Road and has played for both the U's and Luton in Third Division promotion winning teams.

Blues' players report back for pre-season training on Thursday and Wignall said a large number of trialists had been invited to join the Seasiders in their summer preparations.

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Published Tuesday, June 24, 2003

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