Southend United Football Club News

• Nickname:Shrimpers
• Founded:1906
• Manager:Paul Sturrock

• Ground:Roots Hall
• Capacity:12,392

Furlong joins Shrimpers

24 Jun 2008 - 13:23:07

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Veteran striker Paul Furlong insists he is not looking to wind down his career after agreeing a one-year deal with Southend United.

The 39-year-old left Luton Town, his seventh club, at the end of last season and has now scored 171 goals in more than 500 League appearances during a 17-year professional career.

Furlong told the Shrimpers' official website: "First and foremost, I don't want to be a bit-part player. I want to play a big part if I can, but that will be down to me and my performance on the park.

"I'm not here to make up the numbers. I might be coming towards the end now but the hunger is still there and I want to do my best for this football club.

"Last season I was able to play a lot of games and I always felt at the start of the season that once I got my chance I'd take it.

"It's funny as, when I was 28, I said I always wanted to keep playing for as long as I could, in my mind that was until the age of 38.

"Having gone past that marker I still feel I can play and I will do this year and see where that takes me.

"At my age chances are few and far between, so I'm just happy that Southend had the faith to be interested in me.

"I bring a lot of experience to the table, and hopefully I'm able to pass on my knowledge to the younger players here."