'Toughest decision I've ever made ' Steve Arnold on leaving Blues
Steve Arnold explains his departure from Southend United
4 hrs ago
SOUTHEND UNITED FC
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By Chris Phillips@cjphillips1982Chief sports reporter
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Moving - Steve Arnold has left Southend United
(Image: Focus Images)
STEVE Arnold says leaving
Southend United was the toughest decision of his career.
The popular shot-stopper, who made 53 appearances in a two year spell with the Shrimpers, has opted to join League Two side Sutton United.
But Arnold insists it was a tough call to make and Blues’ inability to offer him a new contract eventually led to him moving on.
“Coming towards March, April, May you start to think about what’s going to go on with the club,” said Arnold.
“I spoke to the gaffer all the time and I wanted to stay.
“We had our end of season meetings but not a lot could be said because the gaffer didn’t know too much other than the fact the takeover was in the pipeline.
“No-one could say when it would happen and it’s daunting for the players out of contract.
“Come the 1st July we’re out of contract and we need to provide for our families. “ Blues have been in a transfer embargo since September due to money owed to HMRC and boss Kevin Maher cannot offer any new contracts until the restrictions are lifted.
Talks to sell the club continue to take place but Arnold could not keep waiting for the situation to be sorted.
“As the weeks went on, nothing happened,” said Arnold.
“The way Sutton spoke got me and it made it even tougher to make the decision.
“It really was such a tough decision but I have to put my kids and my family first.
“I have to provide for them but I’m gutted to go.
“I think it’s definitely the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make and that’s no disrespect to Sutton because I can’t wait to get going there.”
Arnold joined Blues in the summer of 2021 and will forever recall his time at Roots Hall with great fondness, despite the club’s financial issues.
“I’ve said before just how much I love this club,” said Arnold.
“It’s a funny club and it really gets under your skin.
“Despite everything that went on you still wanted to be there and be part of it.
“Considering how it all panned out with demonstrations on the pitch when Phil Brown was there and the troubles this year, I still look back fondly on it all.
“The club got me massively.”
And Arnold stressed the supporters played a big part in that happening.
“The way Southend got under my skin I’ve never had that before,” said Arnold.
“That’s credit to the fans because the way they support you, it’s just not a National League club.
“The sooner everything gets sorted at the club the better and I can’t wait to see it take off.”
Arnold’s main focus will be securing success for Sutton next season but he will also be keeping an eye on what is happening with the Shrimpers.
“It sounds a bit cringey but I’ll be a genuine Southend supporter now,” said Arnold.
“I said to the gaffer yesterday that when I haven’t got a game and you have I’ll come down.
“It’s that sort of place with people behind the scenes that make it like that which is credit to the club itself.”
But Arnold is also already getting a good feel from his new club after several rounds of talks.
“With Sutton we didn’t speak about wages to start with but they said they were interested in me and asked if I would be interested in them,” said Arnold.
“I explained the situation with Southend and said that was my first thought but said I was really quite interested.
“I spoke to Sutton again and they’re really good guys, like the gaffer.
“They’re proper good genuine football blokes and that made it difficult as well.
“If I hadn’t got that good feeling from them I would’ve been right I’m going to stay with Southend.”
But, with the move completed, Arnold is setting his sights high for next season.
“They want to go places and it’s run so well,” said Arnold.
“They train at QPR’s old training ground and it’s lovely.
“They want to go again but League Two is going to be very tough this year, especially with Wrexham and Notts County coming up.
“It’s an exciting time though and I can’t wait to get going.”
Personally I liked him between the sticks,Think he'll be missed.
www.suttonunited.net
