SOUTHEND United have strengthened their defensive options by signing Deon Woodman on a month-long loan move from Queens Park Rangers.
With Ollie Kensdale and Harry Taylor both injured, Blues manager Kevin Maher had only three available centre-backs.
And the Shrimpers’ manager is thrilled to have signed the 21-year-old, who spent time on loan with National League opponents Wealdstone earlier this season.
“It’s an area that we’ve been short in and Deon is someone that has played at the level fairly recently,” Maher added.
“He’s really tall, he’s quick and he’s got good technical ability so we think he’s someone that will do well for us.
“We’ve been hit with a couple of injuries which has made us a bit light in the defensive areas so I’m grateful to the club for allowing us to bring someone in and we think he will do really well for us.”
Woodman – who is six foot five inches tall – also spent time on loan with Dulwich Hamlet last season.
And he jumped at the chance to team up with Blues.
“I’m really excited to join,” said Woodman.
“I know the fans here are really up it for every game and I’m just really excited to show what I can do.
“Going out on loan is a really good learning experience.
“It’s not like academy football, where players compete for three points every week in front of their club’s fans.
“It’s definitely a big experience for me and hopefully I can get some minutes and show what I’m about.”
Woodman will spend the next four weeks with the Shrimpers and is keen to take advantage of any opportunities that come his way.
“The pressure is on to make a good impression in a short space of time, but that’s something that I will embrace,” Woodman said.
“I want to perform and help the team try and pick up three points to push us up the table.”
Woodman will be immediately added to the team for tonight’s match against Wealdstone at Roots Hall.
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