Southend United boss Alvin Martin spoke for the First time today about the club's decision to terminate the contract of left-back Mark Stimson.

Martin revealed the 31-year-old defender, whose contract was up for renewal at the end of the season, had been allowed to leave Roots Hall early because of his injury record and for financial reasons.

"Mark isn't part of our future plans and we decided to release him before the end of the season so he could get himself fixed up with another club," said Martin.

"We've got a big squad of players at the club now and we need to let some of them go to balance the books.

"Mark has had a bad time with injury ever since I've been at the club and once I'd signed Martyn Booty to play at left-back it was going to be hard for Mark to win back his place in my team.

"He was also still earning First Division wages and by paying up his contract early the club has been able to save some money."

Stimson, who was one of the highest wage earners at Roots Hall, was brought to Southend by former Blues manager Ronnie Whelan in March 1996.

He joined the Seasiders for £25,000 from Portsmouth, but only made 56 league appearances for Southend after being plagued with an ankle injury.

"It's a shame things haven't worked out for Mark at Roots Hall because he is a good professional with undoubted ability and I wish him the best of luck elsewhere," added Martin.

Southend chairman John Main confirmed that the club and player had both parted on amicable terms.

"Mark approached us to see if he could try and get fixed up elsewhere and we didn't want to stand in his way," said the Blues supremo.

Stimson, who is now available on a free transfer, is being headhunted by a host of clubs including London sides Leyton Orient and QPR.

Another left-sided player who could be on his way out of Roots Hall before the weekend is Welshman Nathan Jones.

The 25-year-old, who can play at full-back or in midfield, is set to join the Third Division's bottom club Scarborough on a month's loan.

"Nathan wants to play games and because we have-n't got a reserve team here we'll be happy to let him go, but I doubt it will be a permanent move," said Martin.

Mark Stimson - attracting interest from London clubs QPR and Leyton Orient

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