Bilel Mohsni focused on Southend despite red card on dramatic return

Bilel Mohsni: Southend defender saw red on a dramatic return to the team

Bilel Mohsni insists he is fully focused on his future with Southend despite a red card on his dramatic return to action with the League Two club.

Mohsni was linked with a move to West Ham in the summer but the deal failed to materialise and his relationship with the Shrimpers was stretched to breaking point.

The controversial Frenchman spent a brief spell on loan with Ipswich and was linked with a number of clubs before being brought in from the cold by manager Paul Sturrock for his first appearance of the season on Saturday.

Defender Mohsni admits he was unhappy to find his hoped-for exit blocked in the summer, but claims he has put that disagreement behind him.

"I needed time to calm down and think but now I'm here and looking forward to helping the team again."
Bilel Mohsni

Mohsni told reporters: "A Premier League club came in for me, with the chance to play against teams like Manchester United, and the chairman said 'no'.

"I had a chat with him, so I understand why he did it, but I had no say in it and was very upset.

"I needed time to calm down and think but now I'm here and looking forward to helping the team again."

Mohsni has also defended the challenge which saw him dismissed, claiming it was his reputation, rather than the late and high lunge on Chris Hackett, which led to the red card.

He added: "It was a 50-50 ball. I hadn't conceded any fouls and normally it would be a yellow card. But because it's my name and the referees in this league know me, I was sent off.

"I can't win every header or tackle, but if I get a red card every time I make a foul then I'll have to give up football.

"I wanted to show the fans that I've turned the page and want to get them promoted. People might think I've let them down, but I'll try my best every time."