Southend United boss Steve Tilson fears he could lose two more key players from his squad as the cash-strapped Shrimpers struggle to match their rivals' spending power.
Hull City, managed by former Blues chief Peter Taylor, are interested in signing influential defender Leon Cort and Kevin Maher, who was runner-up in this year's player-of-the-season poll.
The news comes just days after leading scorer Leon Constantine was lured to Peterborough United with the offer of a better contract.
With wealthy Hull able to offer division two football and better wages, Tilson fears the worst as he tries to keep his Roots Hall squad together.
"I know Hull are trying to sign them both and, to be perfectly honest, we can't compete with them on a financial level," he said.
"They're paying out fortunes in wages but would Kevin and Leon play regular first team football if they went there?
"Hull have a big squad and they would try and keep everyone happy so I would say it's doubtful that they would."
Tilson added he was still waiting to hear back from central defender Cort and club captain Maher, the longest serving player at the Seasiders.
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Published Tuesday May 25, 2004
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