Goalkeeper Sims returns to Southendpublished at 14:18 BST 1 August
14:18 BST 1 August
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Jack Sims spent two seasons with Sutton United in the National League
Goalkeeper Jack Sims has returned to Southend United as a free agent after leaving Sutton United.
The 27-year-old was with the Shrimpers as a schoolboy but joined Blackpool at 16 and has gone on to play for Welling United and Braintree Town, who he helped to promotion through the National League South play-offs in 2024.
Sims played 67 National League games for Sutton over the past two seasons.
He has signed a one-year deal with the Essex club, with the club retaining an option for a second season.
Southend sign midfielder Richards from Port Valepublished at 12:31 BST 31 July
12:31 BST 31 July
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Rico Richards spent last season on loan at Walsall
Southend United have signed midfielder Rico Richards from Port Vale for an undisclosed fee on a two-year contract, with a club option of a third year.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Walsall where he made just one start in League Two.
Richards was previously part of the Stockport County squad which won promotion to League One in 2023-24, making 11 league appearances.
"I watched [Kieron Dyer - Southend United head coach] in games while I was growing up, and he's very experienced on the pitch, so I'm sure he can teach me a few things," Richards told the Shrimpers' website., external
Southend sign Colclough, Backwell & Kamarapublished at 16:26 BST 22 July
16:26 BST 22 July
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Ryan Colclough, who won promotion to League Two with Chesterfield in 2024, had been without a club since leaving AFC Fylde in January
Southend United have signed forward Ryan Colclough, who was handed a suspended prison sentence for assault earlier this month.
Colclough, 31, was given a 28-month term, external - suspended for two years - after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm without intent at Derby Crown Court.
He had been without a club since leaving AFC Fylde in January and previously worked with Southend boss Kieron Dyer at Chesterfield as the Spireites won promotion to League Two in 2023-24.
The Shrimpers have also signed midfielder Tommy Backwell, 23, and 22-year-old winger Sahid Kamara following successful trials at Roots Hall.
Colclough has signed a one-year deal with the option of a further year.
Backwell has signed a one-year contract with the option of a further year after being released by Cheltenham at the end of last season, while Kamara has agreed a two-year deal with the option of a third year following his departure from Braintree Town.
Carlisle appoint Southend's Lawrence as new CEO published at 13:05 BST 16 July
13:05 BST 16 July
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Carlisle are preparing for a second season in the National League
Carlisle United have appointed Tom Lawrence as the club's new chief executive.
He replaces Nigel Clibbens, who left Brunton Park earlier this year after a decade in his post.
Lawrence held the same role at fellow National League side Southend United for the last five years and before that had a similar post with Gillingham.
"Tom has led clubs in both the EFL and the National League and understands first-hand the challenges and opportunities that exist at this level of the game," Carlisle chairman Tom Piatak told the club website, external.
"He has operated in demanding environments, dealt with complex football and business issues and understands the importance of combining ambition on the pitch with strong financial management, commercial growth and accountability throughout the club."
Lawrence's appointment is subject to the required regulatory approval and he will act in an interim capacity for now.
Yeovil sign striker Spasov from Southendpublished at 17:23 BST 9 July
17:23 BST 9 July
Yeovil have signed striker Slavi Spasov on a two-year deal from Southend for an undisclosed fee.
Spasov scored seven goals in 27 games for Southend last season after joining the club in January, with the club winning the FA Trophy and reaching the National League play-offs.
Southend sign defender Daley-Campbellpublished at 08:37 BST 6 July
08:37 BST 6 July
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Vontae Daley-Campbell made his senior debut in a fifth-round FA Cup tie for Leicester City in 2019
Southend United have signed wing-back Vontae Daley-Campbell on a one-year deal following his release from League Two side Chesterfield.
The 25-year-old former England Under-19 international began his career in Arsenal's youth system before joining Leicester City in 2019.
He made three starts for the Foxes and had spells with Cardiff and Peterborough before joining Chesterfield where he made 36 appearances in two seasons.
Daley-Campbell previously played under Southend boss Kieron Dyer when he was first-team coach for the Spireites.
Southend sign West Ham defender Oyebade on loanpublished at 21:54 BST 3 July
21:54 BST 3 July
Southend United have signed teenage defender Rayan Oyebade on a season-long loan from Championship side West Ham United.
The 19-year-old played 17 times in Premier League 2 for the Hammers last season, also helping them finish runners-up in the National League Cup.
"The goal is to be part of a promotion with Southend United," Oyebade, who has not yet made a senior appearance for West Ham, told the Shrimpers' club website., external
Southend sign Merthyr midfielder Twamleypublished at 13:36 BST 28 June
13:36 BST 28 June
Southend United have signed Merthyr Town midfielder Lewys Twamley on a two-year deal, with a club option for a third year.
The 22-year-old scored 16 goals in 46 National League North appearances last season.
The former Wales Under-19 international started his career with Newport County.
Shrimpers boss Kieron Dyer told the club's website:, external "Lewys had a remarkable season last year. For any player to have over 30 goal involvements in one season is truly incredible."
Former Derby defender Cox joins Southendpublished at 19:35 BST 27 June
19:35 BST 27 June
Southend United have signed former Derby County defender Daniel Cox on a two-year contract with an option for an extra year.
The 20-year-old came through the Derby academy and captained their under-21 side before his release this summer without a senior appearance for the Rams.
Cox becomes the National League side's fourth signing of the summer since Kieron Dyer became head coach.
Atay named as Dyer assistant at Southendpublished at 09:19 BST 24 June
09:19 BST 24 June
Southend United have appointed Adam Atay as assistant to new head coach Kieron Dyer.
The 40-year-old moves to Roots Hall from an academy coaching role at Norwich City, having also worked for Aston Villa and Ipswich Town during his career.
He previously worked alongside Dyer at Ipswich with the club's under-18 side.
"It's also nice to know Adz turned down an offer to coach at a higher level because he believes in the project we are building here. He will be a big asset for the club."
Southend sign midfielders Oldaker and Hartiganpublished at 19:35 BST 18 June
19:35 BST 18 June
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Anthony Hartigan won the National League title with Barnet in 2025
Southend United have signed two former National League-winning midfielders - Darren Oldaker from Swindon Town and former Barnet player Anthony Hartigan.
He went on to make 40 appearances for the Robins, scoring once in the league and once in the FA Cup. Southend said he had joined for an undisclosed fee.
Central midfielder Hartigan won the National league title with Barnet in 2024-2025, before making 32 EFL appearances for the Bees in 2025-2026, scoring once. He joins on a free transfer after the expiry of his Barnet contract.
Dyer replaced Kevin Maher, who was sacked on 19 May, just two days after Southend's win over Wealdstone in the FA Trophy final at Wembley.
Dyer said: "Both have had promotions from the National League, both are capable of playing to a really high standard in League Two, and probably would be one of the best pairs in that league, so to get them in and joining the project is a massive coup."
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