Express & Star

Walsall's Morgan Ferrier turns down move to Southend

Morgan Ferrier has vowed to fulfil his potential at Walsall after turning down the chance to join League One rivals Southend, the Express & Star understands.

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The striker, a summer capture from Boreham Wood, made a flying start to his career at the Banks's Stadium but has struggled for form in recent months with just one goal in 23 games.

Ferrier was the subject of a last-gasp bid from the Shrimpers on deadline day.

The bid was an initial £75,000 with adds on taking the deal above six figures.

And with the clock ticking towards the 11pm deadline, the striker was allowed to talk to the Essex-based club.

The Express & Star understands manager Dean Keates told Ferrier he wants him to fulfil his potential at Walsall with the 40-year-old still seeing him as part of his long-term plans.

But with a cash offer on the table that gave the London-born striker a chance to move closer to home, the boss also spoke with Ferrier to see if he wanted a fresh start.

Despite Ferrier being offered higher wages by the Shrimpers, the 24-year-old insisted he wanted to remain in the West Midlands with the striker happy at the Banks's Stadium.

And after speaking to Keates and club officials, he vowed to rediscover the form that made him such an exciting talent at the start of the 2018/19 campaign.

The forward will now be part of the Walsall squad that hosts Rochdale in a crunch League One fixture tomorrow.

In an unprecedented move on Thursday, Southend issued a statement on their website revealing they saw a late move for an unnamed striker (Ferrier) collapse.

The Express & Star understands Saddlers bosses expressed their extreme disappointment at the Shrimpers' decision to put details of a private negotiation in the public domain.

Moving forward Walsall are committed to working with Ferrier to help him rediscover his best form.

Meanwhile, Walsall's home clash with Barnsley has been moved to a noon kick-off so it can be shown live on Sky TV.

The game will still take place on Saturday, March 23.