Mildenhall spent two years with Yeovil (Getty Images)

Southend United have signed goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall on a free transfer from League One rivals Yeovil Town.

The 30-year-old, who made 33 appearances for the Glovers last season, has signed a three-year contract with the south Essex club.

Mildenhall pointed to the Blues' ambition as his reason for the move.

"I had a couple of offers elsewhere from Yeovil and Crewe, but I've come here as they have great plans to move forward," he said.

"There seems to be a lack of ambition at Yeovil. I had to weigh up whether the club's going to make a push for promotion next season but maybe it's gone as far as it can.

"I don't think people are prepared to step out of their comfort zone to take a few risks to get out of the division.

"And I don't think some people were prepared to back the manager at Yeovil as much as they could have done.

You have to make decisions that you feel are best for your career. Southend have had a few years of success Steve Mildenhall

"I know the manager's ambitious and he tried to persuade me to stay but I felt other people weren't pulling in the same direction," Mildenhall added.

Mildenhall spent two season at Huish Park and helped Yeovil reach the League One play-off final in 2007, where they lost to Blackpool.

He added: "It's a massive disappointment to me to be leaving because I love the area.

"My wife is settled and we're West Country people. It's going to be a wrench to move, but that's football.

"You have to make decisions that you feel are best for your career. Southend have had a few years of success and made the play-offs last season.

"I think I'm moving to a stable club with a chairman that's ambitious and with plans for a magnificent new stadium."