Darryl must cast aside sentiment

DARYL FLANAGAN — mixed feelings, but he's playing for Latics...

LATICS ROUND UP: DARRYL FLAHAVAN admits he will have mixed feelings at the weekend.

The 31-year-old Athletic goalkeeper, who was in superb form to shut out a previously-rampant Southampton side on Tuesday night, spent almost a happy decade at Southend.

Should Flahavan’s temporary employers see off the Shrimpers, it would have a double impact.

Athletic would be confirmed as safe in Coca-Cola League One for next season – but Southend would be relegated.

“I had a fantastic eight years there and we achieved a lot, so it is a shame how things have gone,” said Flahavan, who is out of contract at Crystal Palace at the end of this season.

“I am on loan at Oldham and have come in to do a job for the team and the club.

“My loyalties lie here and you don’t get relegated on one game – it happens over the course of a season.

“Unfortunately, for me it will be bitter-sweet if we do win as I have a lot of affection for Southend.

“It was where I made my name, so it is unfortunate how things have turned out there.

“We are on 51 points now, seven clear of Tranmere, so it is all in our own hands. Tranmere have to win their next three games and we have to lose them.

“At the moment we are all in it together, helping each other out, and we are looking forward to the games. So we go into the Southend match with a lot of confidence.”

On the no-score draw at Southampton, Flahavan was as delighted as manager Dave Penney with the determination shown in denying the home side too many clear-cut openings.

And when Flahavan was called upon, he flung himself about the goal to parry away, securing his second clean sheet in three matches away from home at a venue which held special significance.

He said: “Southampton was where it all started for me and it is my home town.

“There were a lot of people there that I know, so I was glad with the way it went.”

Flahavan’s solid displays while on loan at Athletic have prompted calls for him to be secured on a permanent basis for next season.

Whether that fits in with the playing budget Penney will be handed remains to be seen.

“It is a bit unsettling, but you just have to keep your fingers crossed that something good comes up,” said Flahavan of his out-of-contract status.