Former player files: Paul Furlong
THE term evergreen striker was probably created for Paul Furlong.
One-time Blues striker Furlong is preparing for yet another season on the footballing treadmill as he turns out for Southend.
Nothing remarkable in that, until you realise that the hitman turns 40 in October.
Furlong's latest stop in a nomadic football career saw him join Southend on a free transfer from crisis club Luton Town during the summer.
But as his 40th birthday approaches, is Furlong starting to slow down? Of course not.
"I want to play a big part at Southend," said Furlong during a recent Press Association interview. "I don't want to be a bit-part player but that ultimately is down to me and how well I play.
"I'm not here to make up the numbers. I'm getting to the end of my career but I still have the hunger to do well and I can't wait to get started.
"Hopefully my experience can help those around me. I did that at Luton last year and I like passing on the things I've learned throughout my own career."
Few other outfield players have reached played into their forties in the modern game - Teddy Sheringham being the most notable of the select few.
But it's clear that Southend assistant Paul Brush sees Furlong as far more than a veteran winding down his career.
"We're not expecting him to play 54 games and 90 minutes every game," said Brush. "When he's out there we're looking for him to make an input by helping to bring on the other forwards we've got at the club with his experience and knowledge."
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