Southend United have completed the signing of free agent Louis Walsh. The 20-year-old winger left Championship side Nottingham Forest in the summer having previously had spells at Barnsley and Guiseley. Walsh, who has signed an 18-month deal, was on the bench for Mark Molesley’s side this afternoon as they triumphed in an Essex Derby, beating Colchester United 2-0.
Louis Walsh Signs for Southend United
A Long Time Coming
Walsh trained with Southend in the summer but financial issues and a transfer embargo prevented the club from completing a deal. With the club’s immediate future secured and the embargo lifted, though, they were able to complete registrations for Sam Hart and Simeon Akinola and have now added Walsh to the squad too.
Speaking to the club website, Blues manager Molesley said: “Earlier on in the season he came in for a month, so we had a good look at him and really liked him but weren’t in a position to be able to do something then,” said Molesley.
“He’s at a good age, got huge potential and has great attributes. We’re looking at him in a few positions, predominantly at the moment as a wide man but we feel that he can play up front too, and presents an exciting opportunity to the club to hopefully grow that potential into him being a real asset to the football club.”
Walsh himself added: “I’m delighted, it’s been a long time coming. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity of first team football and the chance to show what I can do on a bigger platform than before.
“It’s something that I’ve been pushing for, for a long time. I felt like I should have had opportunities elsewhere which didn’t come and that’s football.”
After a terrible start to the League Two season following relegation from League One last term, Southend look like they have turned a corner and are now unbeaten in five games.
Wins against Scunthorpe United, Grimsby Town and today against Colchester have taken the Blues to within three points of safety and put Stevenage back to the foot of the table.
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