Ricketts Out Of Southend - Report

By Mark Heys
October 13 2006

A national daily newspaper claims that Southend United have axed former Bolton striker Michael Ricketts for being too overweight..

Ricketts joined the Essex club in the summer after an unhappy spell with Leeds United but things have not gone according to plan for the former England international down at Roots Hall.

The 27-year old only recently made his debut for Steve Tilson's side after struggling with fitness and this seems to be a reason for his alleged departure according to an uncredited inside source speaking to The Sun newspaper.

"It's because Michael had put on too much weight. He had been warned about his fitness but just kept on ballooning. In the end the manager and coaches just had enough" the source claimed

In January 2003, and with Bolton struggling at the wrong end of the Premiership, Ricketts asked for a transfer to a "bigger club" as he wanted to win trophies and further his international career.

Middlesbrough won the race for his signature but the move turned sour and the player ended up having short spells with numerous clubs thereafter, including Stoke City, Cardiff City and Burnley.

Southend United have yet to make a comment on the story.