Southend United striker Michael Husbands is determined to reclaim a regular starting slot for the Shrimpers next season after deciding to stay with the League Two side.

And the injury hit forward, who started just four games during the previous campaign, is keen to prove Blues boss Steve Tilson wrong after the 37-year-old tried to off-load him on a free transfer in May.

"Tilly said I wasn't in his plans and that I had no future at the club," said the former Aston Villa trainee.

"But I don't know how he made that decision because I'm not sure what I did wrong in the first place - I never got a chance.

"I had a lot of injuries and, because of that, I never got going. I had a lot of knocks but I'm here for another year and I'm determined to prove the manager wrong."

Husbands added he was relishing his spell at Roots Hall and was already looking forward to next season.

"I wanted to stay," he declared. "I never wanted to leave in the first place. I didn't put in a transfer request and I'm going to fight for my place. I'm confident I'm going to do that as well -- I'm not going to run away and I'm raring to go.

"I've been working hard all the way through the summer in the gym and I've put on half a stone of muscle which I think I needed to do. That's going to help me I hope and I'm in good shape right now -- I can't wait."

The youngster will re-join his team-mates at Boots and Laces tomorrow for the start of pre season training.

Published Wednesday June 30, 2004

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