Discarded Southend United goalkeeper Danny Gay believes Steve Wignall faces a tough struggle to build a new squad capable of challenging for Third Division honours next term.
The 20-year-old was handed a free transfer along with 12 other Blues players who felt the brutal force of the new Shrimpers manager's axe at the end of last season.
And the popular Roots Hall number two, who was released along with senior Southend custodian Darryl Flahavan, predicted Wignall will find it hard recruiting replacements.
"It was a big shock for me when the manager told me he was letting me go, but that's the way things happen in football sometimes," said Gay.
"The boss obviously felt a lot of us weren't good enough as he released 13 players, but it's going to be tough for him to bring in replacements.
"There are a lot of players available on the free transfer list, but Blues aren't big payers and it will be hard to attract new faces to Roots Hall. I think the club could be in for a hard season.
"I don't know what Southend are going to do for a goalkeeper next season. I couldn't believe the club took the decision to offload Darryl as well as me at the same time.
"Although, I have heard the manager wants to use the combined amount of both our wages next season to bring in one senior keeper. The number two spot will probably go to a trialist."
Published Tuesday, June 10, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article