New Shrimpers striking signing speaks: 'I don't want to still be playing at this level next season

28 July 2011 10:56
Southend United's new forward Liam Dickinson has no intention of hanging around in the League's basement division and believes the squad has to potential to gain promotion in his first season. Dickinson: 'I want to score regularly for Southend United' Liam Dickinson is keen to rekindle his career by shooting Southend United to promotion this season. The 25-year-old striker has put pen to paper on a year-long deal with Blues, who have now also completed transfers for right back Ryan Leonard and midfielder JP Kalala.And Dickinson is determined to rediscover his best form after a frustrating period in front of goal. Dickinson told www.echo-news.co.uk: “I’ve been passed from pillar to post in the last couple of years but now I want to rekindle myself and get handfuls of goals for Southend. I’ve dropped down to League Two to sign here but I don’t want to still be playing at this level next season because I want to help Southend go up. We have the players here to do it and I want to raise my profile in the game again.” Luckily he's only got a season contract then, just in case! Dickinson is currently struggling with a slight ankle injury and may not figure in tonight’s friendly against Norwich City at Roots Hall. But, after failing to score last season and, having made just 18 league starts in the last 17 months, the 6’4’’ tall targetman is desperate to get back to the form he showed while with Stockport County. The forward bagged 21 goals for the Hatters in the 2007/08 season as they won promotion via the League Two play-offs and that saw Dickinson seal a £750,000 switch to Championship club Derby County. However, since then he has been unable to hit the back of the net on a consistent basis. Dickenson continued: “I’ve had a lot of loan spells and last season I went through a real dry patch. I had a few injuries but that’s no excuse and I want to score regularly for Southend. I’m naturally quite fit so I’m sure I will be in good shape quite quickly. I’m not sure if I will play against Norwich tonight and I need to talk to the manager but I can’t wait to get out there.” The striker came close to joining Plymouth Argyle earlier this summer and has not enjoyed much of a pre-season. But he has now been given a training programme by Blues’ fitness staff and is confident of soon being fully fit.  

Source: FOOTYMAD