Golden oldie goalkeeper Paul Sansome could be in line for a sensational Southend United first team squad comeback.

Blues chief Rob Newman is believed to be ready to sign the 40-year-old on a non-contract basis as cover for Saturday's Third Division clash with Luton Town at Roots Hall.

Southend's number one custodian Darryl Flahavan has to serve a one-match ban when the Hatters visit the Essex coast, which will mean a full League debut for 19-year-old rookie Daniel Gay.

And with no other senior keeper at Roots Hall, Newman could name Sansome on the sub' bench as a stop-gap.

Newman is also thought to have contacted his former Norwich City team mate, ex-Scotland international goalkeeper Bryan Gunn.

But his first choice is Sansome, who made 357 appearances for Blues and was a mainstay of the side which won successive promotions from the old Fourth to Second Divisions in the early nineties.

However, he has not played football for the last few years after leaving non-league Gravesend and Northfleet. Sansome's last League action came in 1997 with the Shrimpers, before he joined the Kent outfit.

More on Southend United FC

Published Friday December 28, 2001