Southend United Sign Ryan Battrum on Loan

Southend United have moved to strengthen their promotion push by bringing in West Ham United right-back Ryan Battrum on a month’s loan.

The 21-year-old, who can also slot into midfield, is no stranger to Roots Hall. He faced Southend in a pre-season friendly for West Ham back in July and clearly liked what he saw.

"When I heard about Southend's interest I was buzzing," Battrum told the club’s website. "I've played against them and watched them a lot. Getting crowds of 10,000 in the National League is amazing."

Those crowds now have a new signing to assess in a side that has started fast. Kieron Dyer’s team sit fifth in the early National League table, with just one defeat from their opening seven matches and a growing sense of momentum.

Dyer wanted depth. He has it now down the right.

"It's always good to have two players for every position," the Southend boss said. "He gives Vontae Daley-Campbell great competition at right-back. He's got great energy, power, and strength, and he can also invert which we like our full-backs to do. He ticks all the boxes."

Battrum goes straight into contention and is available for Tuesday night’s home clash with Tamworth, where Southend’s new full-back will get his first chance to feel that 10,000-strong noise from the inside.