Southend United striker Tes Bramble could find himself living in a football-style dormitory next season, complete with a nanny, it was revealed today.
Blues' co-owner Ron Martin has unveiled plans to house the Third Division club's young first teamers under one roof in a soccer commune.
And Bramble, 22, who recently signed a new two-year deal, could be one of the top names pencilled in for a room after a series of problems hampered his performances last season.
Tes Bramble - could be living in the Southend United house Picture: TERENCE BUNCH
The 11-goal hitman missed a lot of games with groin trouble and sickness, but was also charged with a number of driving offences towards the end of the campaign.
"Tes has been living in Ipswich and travelling down to work, which isn't an ideal situation," said Martin.
"He had a few problems last season and if he lived nearer Roots Hall he may have been able to avoid them.
"People need to remember that some of these youngsters are personalities and I think it is important for them to live in the environment they are playing in."
"The younger players have a lot of external influences as they are either living a long way from Roots Hall or are on their own for the first time.
"And I feel we can help these lads by buying or renting a house in the Southend area for them.
"The property would also have a house mother, or maybe a middle aged family, who would look after them.
"These players already receive a high standard of education and coaching through the football club and we want them to get the same level of welfare too.
"The plan is for five or six of our players to be housed in this way, which is something that used to be common place in the football industry years ago. And I firmly believe it can work again now."
And Martin said players who failed to toe the club line could find themselves evicted from the house just like on Channel 4's Big Brother programme.
"Much depends on the individual, but we have held discussions with the players and hopefully they can see it makes good sense," he explained.
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Published Thursday, May 22, 2003
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