GOODING SAYS GOODBYE TO SOUTHEND

Gooding still has a year remaining on his current deal but decided to leave Roots Hall after talks with Shrimpers' boss David Webb.

"I think that Mick has noticed that I have been giving our other coach Rob Newman a bit more responsibility around Roots Hall," Webb explained.

"Mick has ambitions of becoming a football club manager in the future. He had a taste of being in charge at Reading and he would like to do the job again.

"There is no ill-feeling that's for certain. Mick and I have a good working relationship at Roots Hall and I wish him all the best for the future."

Webb (pictured) said he was not on the lookout for a new number two and was happy to work with the staff already in place at the club, and refused to confirm Newman would be promoted to assistant boss.

Gooding made 25 appearances for Southend and became their oldest ever debutant when he played against Chester City aged 39 years and 143 days.

He also became their oldest player of all time to play for the club when he made a substitute appearance at Brighton aged 40 years and 204 days.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old winger Scott Forbes has agreed a new one-year deal to stay at Roots Hall.