Southend United chairman Ron Martin has expressed his shock at Michael Ricketts joining Blues' Championship rivals Preston North End.

The former England international was released from Roots Hall earlier on in the season after making just two substitutes appearances following doubts about his fitness and attitude.

But that has not put Preston off offering Ricketts another life-line, much to Martin's surprise.

"Michael has all the physical potential you could wish for in a footballer," he said.

"But whether he has the right mental attitude to go alongside that is questionable."

Ricketts' early release from the club also reduced the payment his agent Simon Kennedy received.

And that means a Football League report released last week, which suggested the Shrimpers spent £122,000 on agents was not entirely accurate.

"Michael's agent didn't end up getting the full amount," confirmed Martin.

"But I always think money spent on agents is worth it if it means you get the right players in."

The Shrimpers' spending saw them ranked 13th in the Championship, while their Essex rivals Colchester were again bottom having not spent anything on agents.