Colchester United have signed Jamal Campbell-Ryce on loan from League One rivals Rotherham United. The midfielder arrives on loan until the end of the season with the possibility of extending the deal if the U's are involved in the play-offs.
The 22-year-old has been involved in a dispute between Rotherham and Southend.
The Millers say the Shrimpers agreed to pay �100,000 to make a loan deal into a permanent move - which Southend deny - and a tribunal is to rule on the issue.
Campbell-Ryce told BBC Essex: "I'm just pleased to be back playing football. It's been a frustrating time for me and I'm caught in the middle. I was really enjoying my time at Southend.
"The Colchester call came as a surprise to me and I just went for it. I know Kem Izzet from my time at Charlton and I look forward to helping the team go up."