Source: FOOTYMAD
Ferdy signs pro deal for Shrimpers: 'There were other sides interested in securing him next season'
Released for Stockport County, while Championship clubs like Burnley & Ipswich Town. Southend United midfielder Kane Ferdinand has signed his first professional contract with the club after being offered a two-and-a-half year deal. Kane Ferdinand: Great news for the ShrimpersConcerned Southend fans have been waiting for the news that star youngster Kane Ferdinand would put pen to paper and sign his first pro deal as his present scholarship contract ran out at the end of March where he could go anywhere.Well, he can do now of course, but after agreeing to a two and half year contract with the Shrimpers at least we'll get some decent dosh, and who knows, he might be involved in the play-offs come May! Joking aside, this is seriously good news for the club and not surprisingly brought a smile even to the stern face of Blues boss Paul Sturrock.Sturrock told www.southendunited.co.uk: "He's got a bright future in the game and has already established himself as an important member of our squad. There were other sides interested in securing him next season from higher divisions so we are glad that Kane has decided to commit himself to this football club so he can continue his development at Roots Hall."The 18-year-old, who came through the Shrimpers youth system, made his debut in January and has gone on to make 14 appearances, scoring once in last month's 3-2 home win over Wycombe.Fedinand told www.echo-news.co.uk last week: "Talks are going well now and everything is close to being sorted out. I've been with Southend five years and I enjoy it here so I'm happy to stay. It's been great working my way in to the first team recently and hopefully I can go on to play many more games."Kane has been included in the Republic of Ireland Under-19's squad for their match against Cyprus this weekend, but Luggy will attempt to get him released in order to play in the Shrimpers clash with Stockport County on Saturday, a vital game for both clubs.
