Southend United boss Kevin Maher on his pursuit of new signings
SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher admits new signings are unlikely ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hartlepool United.
The Shrimpers remain keen on signing another midfielder and a striker to bolster their attacking options.
But Maher suggested no new deals were imminent at this stage.
“We’re still looking and we’re trying,” said Maher.
“We hope to have one or two in but maybe not now before the weekend.
“We’re always looking but no offers have been accepted.”
Walsall’s search for a much-needed goalscorer continues with just over two weeks remaining in the transfer window.
Walsall have won their first two games of the season, a victory against Morecambe and a penalty shootout win against Exeter City, a higher-league side.
However, the Saddlers’ attackers have failed to find the net in both games, which has become a problem area in which they will need to improve if they are to have a real chance of achieving success this season.
Goals needed for a successful campaign
A goalscorer was a much-needed acquisition for the Saddlers this summer, and little progress has been achieved so far.
Josh Gordon, who only scored once last season, was brought in from Burton Albion after a disappointing loan at Walsall in the previous campaign and re-joined a strike force of Jamille Matt and an injured Danny Johnson that combined for just 13 goals during the last campaign, which has brought much criticism for Mat Sadler and his recruitment.
Recently, Sadler announced that Walsall had been in talks with two potential loan options. However, both fell through at the last moment. The hunt for a striker seems to be focused on the loan market, which Walsall has utilised in previous seasons with the loan signings of Freddie Draper and Johnson, who both enjoyed success during their brief loan spells at the club.
Walsall’s success in front of goal last season, scoring 81 goals, was aided by Draper, who scored ten goals, and top scorer Issac Hutchinson, who departed for Bristol Rovers during the off-season. However, with these departures, Walsall will have to add quality to ensure they can compete successfully this season, as their attack currently has little to offer.
