NILE Ranger is disappointed with the manner of his departure from Southend United.

Blues boss Phil Brown revealed earlier this week that the striker had left the club after failing to attend physiotherapy sessions.

But Ranger, who remains sidelined by a groin problem, contacted Echosport to explain his side of the story.

“I just want to let the fans know the truth because they’ve made it seem like I just haven’t turned up and I’ve given up with it,” said Ranger.

“I’m taking it seriously but they weren’t funding me or offering me petrol money and it was really hard for me to get in as I don’t have a car at the moment and my leg has been infected so I couldn’t have got a train.

“But I certainly don’t want to bad mouth anyone.

“I respect the club and the people there and I hope they get back up next season but I just feel it’s a bit said they’ve had to put this on my name.”

Echo:

Painful - Nile Ranger's injury became infected

Ranger lined up for the Shrimpers during Phil Brown’s first spell in charge at Roots Hall before being released in January 2018.

However, the striker returned to the club last season and was grateful to be given another opportunity.

“I appreciate the chance Southend gave me,” said Ranger.

“I’m grateful to Ron Martin and Mark Molesley and I know me and Phil would’ve worked well together again if I had got that chance.

“The whole of the staff and the team made me feel welcome too and I thank them as well.”

But Ranger’s second spell with Southend was to be shortlived as he suffered a serious groin injury just 11 minutes after coming on against Salford City.

“I got rushed in really which I completely understand because of the position the team were in,” said Ranger.

“I really worked my socks off to get fit and I wasn’t getting paid much at all.

“I didn’t come for the money at all but if I’m being honest I was basically playing for expenses on a month to month deal and then got injured.”

And Ranger also had to have surgery.

“I was advised to have that operation and my leg is healing,” said the striker.

“I tore the adductor muscle and the surgeon told me it was a really unusual injury which not many people have done.

“He said it was an extraordinary injury and I had to get it done otherwise it would just keep on happening.

“I appreciate Southend paying for it but after the operation I was out for a while and had to take lots of medication.

“I had no car whatsoever and I had to rely on others to drop me to appointments.”

Things then got even worse for Ranger when his wound became infected.

“My leg was infected and it was hard for me to get around,” said the 30-year-old.

“I had to go and get the wound seen to every day and the physio knows this.

“I had to see the surgeon in London every day, I paid for the medication and I went to Southend a few times.

“Ricky Duncan explained I needed to get in and it was my last chance.

“I said not a problem but I explained I was struggling to get in.”

And Ranger continued to keep in contact with the club’s staff.

“I would message saying I couldn’t make it because I was struggling to get in,” said the former Newcastle United forward.

“For them to come out and say what they did is disappointing because I literally couldn’t get there.

“I don’t have a vehicle and I couldn’t rely on people to drop me off.

“They weren’t paying me and said I had to come in.

“They could’ve paid for me to get a taxi, a car or something if they were serious about me doing this rehabilitation.

“I do still love Southend and the club but they didn’t have to do this to me like this.

“I tried my best, I worked my socks off and got injured.”