Southend United's newly crowned Player of the Season Leon Cort pledged his allegiance to Blues after Saturday's 2-1 Roots Hall defeat against Bury.

Goals from Shakers duo Michael Nelson and Lee Connell, sandwiched either side of Cort's seventh strike of the season, cemented the visitors' place in the play-offs and ended the Shrimpers' 2002/03 home campaign on a sour note.

But 23-year-old Cort, who is out of contract this summer, said he wanted to remain at Roots Hall and help bring back the good times next season.

Star man : Leon Cort receives his Player of the Year trophy from Shrimpers deputy chairman Geoffrey King. Picture: Robin Woosey

"I definitely want to be here next year and I'm hoping I can sit down and agree a new one-year contract with Southend soon," said the central defender.

"The Bury game has left me with mixed emotions. I'm so happy and honoured to be named the fans' Player of the Season, but just disappointed to end our Roots Hall fixtures with another defeat.

"On a personal note it was great to get the supporters' award as I have worked hard on my fitness and concentration this season and it's nice to see they have noticed that."

Southend boss Steve Wignall, whose 14th-placed side finish their Third Division fixtures at relegation threatened Exeter City on Saturday, was blunt in his assessment of his team's display against Bury.

"I thought the first-half wasn't too bad, but as soon as we went 2-1 down straight after the break we looked very flat," he said.

"The effort was there from the players, but unfortunately some of them can't do what we want from them and we are going to have to change personnel before next season."

Published Monday, April 28, 2003

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