Southend United defender Leo Roget has finally broken his silence regarding his contract wrangle with the Third Division club.

The 23-year-old, who has been one of Blues' better performers so far this term, rejected a new one-year deal with the Shrimpers over the summer.

And Roget, who is too young to leave Roots Hall on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling, faces an uncertain Southend future after being put on a week-to-week contract.

"I rejected the new terms at Southend because it was a big decrease on what I had received previously," revealed the big centre-half on Tuesday.

"The basic wage was the same, but the club weren't prepared to offer me a signing-on fee, which I wasn't happy about.

"I do understand that things are tight at Roots Hall on the money side, but I've been at this club for ten years and I felt I deserved more than that."

And Roget readily admitted he was far from happy with the current contract situation.

"Just like any ambitious player I want to perform at the highest level I can, but I'm happy at Southend and wouldn't leave for another Second or Third Division club," he added.

"But the present contract situation is a big worry for me. I'm still giving my all for the club out on the pitch, but if I get a serious injury I could be out of work.

"If I was sidelined for a couple of months the club could get rid of me at 14 days notice under the terms of my week-to -week contract.

"So I haven't got a lot of security, which concerns me greatly. Although, I would still like to come to a proper arrangement with the club."

Roget, who has now played more than 100 League games for Southend, also hinted that the contract scenario was not affecting his form on the pitch.

"I've been quite happy with my performances, bar one or two games - such as the 5-0 Worthington Cup defeat at home to Birmingham City," he said.

"But maybe that's got something to do with not having a proper contract. I've had a rough few years with injury, but maybe the uncertainty of being on a week to week deal has given me the kick up the backside I've needed to play well again."

Leo Roget - unhappy with terms of the one-year deal Southend United offered him

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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