Striker Leon Constantine today hit back at claims he was a "money grabber" after quitting Southend United for Second Division football with Peterborough United.

Gone Posh - Former Blues striker Leon Constantine Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

The gangly target-man, who scored 25 goals for the Shrimpers last season, joined Barry Fry's side after turning down a two year deal with Blues.

But Constantine revealed it was more than just wages that persuaded him to switch to the London Road outfit. "It's not all about money at all," said the 26-year-old forward.

"The offer Southend put to me wasn't really very good, but there's no way I'm greedy or a money grabber and I've been disappointed to hear that.

"People who know me know I'm not like that. When I first signed for Blues I was barely getting paid expenses. I drove in for training every day and I was in trouble with the bank and everything."

The former Leyton Orient and Millwall forward also claimed to be one of the lower paid players at Roots Hall and was disappointed not to have been rewarded for his fine goalscoring form.

"I was on £500 a week last season and they were willing to raise that to £700 for next year," said Constantine.

"I know there are people at Blues who get paid a lot more than that and, after doing well last year, I thought they might have offered me more.

"But it wasn't just that --everything seemed to take ages to come around.

"They were supposed to ring me one Sunday, but didn't call until the following Wednesday and I never really knew what was going on."

More on Southend United FC

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

Published Wednesday May 26, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo