Southend United boss Steve Wignall today urged out-of-contract striker Mark Rawle to sign a new Roots Hall deal.

Basildon-born defender David McSweeney, 21, has become the latest Shrimpers player to accept a 12-month renewal with the Third Division club.

And Wignall believes midfielder Stuart Thurgood and winger Steven Clark will soon follow suit, leaving 24-year-old Rawle, last season's top-scorer with 12 goals, as the only other player left to commit himself to a year-long deal.

"I haven't heard anything from Rawley," admitted Blues' manager. "I've spoken to his agent and he has told me that Mark is weighing up all of his options.

"That's fair enough and it is his right, but I only want players at this club who want to play and give everything they've got for Southend United.

"What Mark needs to do now is sign his contract, work hard and score 15 goals next season, and then we can talk about rewarding him with an improved deal.

More on Southend United FC

What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board.

Published Tuesday, May 20, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo