Matt Mundy sums up the latest events at Southend…
After three consecutive goalless draws at home, there was little doubt Southend United boss Phil Brown would be reinforcing his squad in the winter transfer window – and he has wasted little time in dipping into the market.
Striker Jake Cassidy is one of two to arrive today, coming in on loan until the end of the season from Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers, to link up with Joe Pigott who was signed in the same position on loan five days ago.
But despite the obvious need for goals, it will be the news that defender Adam Barrett will be returning home which will please fans the most. Barrett has sealed a switch back to the club where he is a huge favourite.
The manager has also been working on departures, with five players placed on the transfer list in a busy couple of days at Roots Hall.
Approaching the twilight of his career, Barrett, 35, spent six successful years at the Blues, enjoying back-to-back promotions to the Championship and two Trophy finals at the Millennium stadium in Wales, albeit both ending in defeats.
He left under unpleasant circumstances due to off-field issues, meaning the squad was ripped to shreds, but he never denied his desire to return one day. Having spells at Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient, Bournemouth, AFC Wimbledon and Gillingham since leaving, Brown has worked hard to recruit an experienced defender with pedigree of getting out of League Two.
He said on the arrival: “He’s a real leader and a fans’ favourite during his time at the club previously. He’s determined, knows the division very well and has a determination and desire to do well here and help us achieve our goals.”
In the attacking recruits, Pigott made his debut at home to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday but couldn’t help the cries for more attacking firepower with a dispirited 0-0 draw concerning the fans.
21-year-old Cassidy could then prove to be the vital signing of the day. He does not have the experience and feelgood factor that Barrett gives, but the desperate need for options in attack makes his arrival essential.
The Welshman spent the first half of the season on loan at Notts County in League One where he scored four times in 16 games. He also had three stints at Tranmere Rovers over three seasons playing 57 times in total, has turned out 20 times for his parent club and made a handful of appearances for Wales under-21s.
Dropping down to League Two, Cassidy is relatively experienced despite his youth, which is what has attracted Brown to acquire his services to boost the Shrimpers promotion push.
“I’m really pleased to have brought Jake to the football club,” Brown told the Southend website. “He’s scored goals at a higher level and despite his young age, has experience of playing games. It’s a fantastic signing for us.”
Of players who are likely to be moving in the opposite direction, Conor Clifford is the stand out name. The ex-Chelsea man started the season in the first 11, but has found game time limited since September. Isaac Layne, Ellis Brown, Kane Farrell and Josh Banton are the others being circulated to other clubs.
However, the news that Barrett is back will lift everyone involved at the Shrimpers.