HORRIBLE' Jerel Ifil won't be complaining if his manager lands the experienced centre half he wants during the summer break.

Iffy Onuora acknowledges he has a young back four and would like to add someone who's been there and done it'.

That would mean increased competition for the likes of Ifil but as The Beast' reflects on a campaign that didn't unfold as he'd expected on a personal level, it isn't all doom and gloom.

He is getting married on June 10 and his dad is even in the process of forgiving him for arranging it on the same day as England's World Cup opener against Paraguay!

He said: "This season for me hasn't been what I'd expected.

"You come back at the start and think I've got some experience under my belt now and that this season will be better'. Instead, it turns out to be worse.

"It's a shock to the system and you think why is it happening. It shows you just have to plug away.

"Despite what's happened this year I feel I've learned quite a lot.

"I did make a few mistakes but I feel that my overall game has improved.

"The manager has told me to keep it simple and be horrible to play against basically.

"Sometimes you try and do more than you're capable of at this stage.

"He's saying stick to what you're good at. In my position you do one thing wrong and people will see it.

"If it leads to a goal it's highlighted even more."

And if Onuora does succeed in recruiting some extra, experienced defensive presence for the League Two campaign, Ifil will be delighted. He feels it will help him to become a better player.

The former Watford man said: "I think it's probably necessary.

"We're all young defenders here.

"There isn't really a defender here that you can turn to on the pitch and say if that happens, what do I do or how would you deal with that?"

Looking ahead, Onuora will tie the knot, attempt to find a television for his dad at the reception venue and then turn his thoughts to a promotion campaign.

He said: "We have to put right next year what we did wrong this year."

  • FORMER Town midfielder Grant Smith has been told he can look for a new club by Bristol City boss Gary Johnson.

The Scotsman still has a year to run on his Ashton Gate contract but doesn't appear to be part of Johnson's plans.

He spent the latter part of the 2005-6 campaign on loan at relegated Walsall.

Smith joins experienced goalkeeper Steve Phillips on the City transfer list.

  • BART Griemink has decided to hang up his boots after conceding defeat in his battle with injury.

The Dutch goalkeeper, who spent four seasons at the County Ground before switching to Southend United in July 2004, has taken the decision following the advice of a specialist.

He told the Shrimpers' website: "I've had a bad time with knee injuries since I came to Southend and it hampered my progression.

"The specialist has advised me to stop playing professionally or I could have problems with my knees in later life."