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Wreh determined to make most of his chance at Blues

Fired up - new Southend United striker Chris Wreh is determined to impress for the Shrimpers this season          Picture: ARRON GENT
Fired up - new Southend United striker Chris Wreh is determined to impress for the Shrimpers this season Picture: ARRON GENT

THIS time last summer, Southend United new boy Chris Wreh quit working in recruitment to focus on fulfilling a football dream.

The goal-getting striker focused fully on his game after joining Banbury United last season.

And, having now made the switch to the Shrimpers, Wreh remains hungry to succeed at a professional level.

“Last season was a big turning point in my career and hopefully I can push on from that now,” said Wreh.

“Prior to Banbury I was working full-time in recruitment but I quit my job to focus on football and give it one more go to try and make it happen.

“My sole focus was football and I really gave it everything.

“Sometimes it does cross your mind it might not happen but if you believe you can do something you have to keep on working hard to get it and that’s what I did.”

Wreh scored 23 goals and had 16 assists as Banbury won promotion into National League North.

And that fine form led to him being welcomed in on trial by Blues for their pre-season campaign.

“My agent has worked with the club with previous players and apparently they were already interested in me,” said Wreh, explaining how he first came to the Shrimpers.

“I got invited in and it went from there really.

“Overall, I don’t think the trial period could have gone much better apart from maybe getting another couple of goals.

“But, in the minutes I was given I gave my all and tried to impress.”

Wreh scored in pre-season friendlies at Canvey Island and Kettering before signing a year long deal.

And he is keen to keep on doing well.

“I’m eager to hit the ground running and build on what I feel like I’ve started here and take that into the competitive games,” said Wreh.

“I want to improve my overall game and I think coming into full-time football a lot of things are going to change. I want to score as many goals as possible and make a name for myself.”

But Wreh’s main goal is to help the team enjoy a successful season.

“Team wise, coming from a successful team I want to keep that going here and try to get promotion,” said the 25-year-old.

“From what I’ve seen there’s a lot of talent in the squad and there’s no reason why we can’t be up there.

“But I feel like I’m at the biggest club in the National League now and it’s an opportunity I’m grateful for.”

Wreh will be pushing to make his competitive debut against Boreham Wood this weekend.

But, whatever happens throughout the campaign, Wreh will be able to call upon the advice of his father Christopher who played for Arsenal and Monaca during his own career.

“He does help with advice but it’s not something I talk about on a regular basis,” said Wreh.

“I want to make a name for myself now, even if we do have the same name!”

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