Hammell Makes His Excuses

Last updated : 14 July 2006 By Stand Free Ed
ONE-TIME Aberdeen target Steven Hammell said yesterday that he came close to signing for the Dons, but wanted to move away from the SPL.

The 24-year-old defender said: "They have a great set up at Pittodrie and the thought of working with Jimmy Calderwood appealed to me.

"I was impressed with Aberdeen but I wanted to do something completely different.

"I just couldn't see myself playing in the SPL for another two or three seasons."

The player's agent worked tirelessly during the summer to get the biggest slice of her client's wages and signing on fee, and eventually found English lower league club Southend despite Hammell's favourable impression of Aberdeen.

The Essex club will be desperate to avoid relegation English football's third tier after promotion last season, but Hammell says they have much higher goals.

He said: "Southend want to reach the Premiership, that is the ultimate aim."