No...This Is Not A Wind Up!

On Monday, Southend United confirmed that they were on the look out for an immediate replacement keeper for Saturday's clash with Swansea, after Daryl Flahavan and Bart Griemink were both ruled out through suspension and injury respectively. In an unbelievable turn of events, it appears that Steve Tilson may have found his man...in the shape of comedian Terry Alderton! The life-long Shrimpers supporter came on as reserve goalkeeper for the celebrities in Sky One's "The Match" and Southend believe that he could be the man to get the club through this weekend's fixture.

Alderton replaced the injured Mark Bosnich in the first half of "The Match", before allowing a 30-yard Gary Pallister drive to float past him in a poor display of goalkeeping. To be fair to the comedian, his performance improved in the second half, but Alderton hardly looked like professional material and many Southend supporters still believe that this is an elaborate hoax. Nevertheless, Terry Alderton could make one of the most bizarre appearances that the Football League has ever witnessed.

However, Steve Tilson confirmed that they would be looking to register Alderton with the Football Association and would be offering the comedian non-contract terms. It appears that the Southend manager is clearly having trouble finding another recognised goalkeeper and Swansea fans will be hoping that this remains the case ahead of Saturday's trip to Roots Hall.