Welcome to the latest instalment of Football Transfer News from Last Word On Football. Here, we bring you details of all of the day’s completed deals as clubs look to shape their squads ahead of the new season.
With the window just opening, plenty of deals have already been agreed between clubs. And, with so much left of the transfer period, expect many more to occur with each day. Read on to find out more about the completed deals on Wednesday, June 9.
Football Transfer News
Leyton Orient Secure New Skipper
Perhaps the biggest news of the day is Leyton Orient’s signing of former Charlton Athletic midfielder Darren Pratley. The 36-year-old arrives, becoming the new club captain in the process, with a plethora of experience.
He has played in the Premier League, when 18 with Fulham and at Bolton Wanderers, and was ironically signed by Orient manager and then Swansea City head coach, Kenny Jacket 15 years ago at the age of 21.
🗞 First summer signing, and your new Club Captain!
Read all about it, as Darren Pratley checks in at The O’s.#LOFC #OnlyOneOrient
— Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) June 9, 2021
Having made over 500 appearances in the professional game, Pratley will be hoping to help his new side improve on their 11th placed finish last season in League Two. Speaking to the official club website, the midfielder said: “I’m delighted. This is a massive Club in the division. It’s a local Club to me and I’m happy to be here.”
Kenny Jacket, too, was delighted about the move, saying: “He has got good leaderships skills, not least by being a good player. He is a good athlete. I think he will help us to dominate the midfield. He has experience and leadership and it’s a very good signing for us.”
Southend United Sign Duo
It has been a busy transfer window for recently relegated Southend United so far, who look desperate to climb back to the Football League at the first time of asking. After signing James Dunne a week ago, the Seasiders have added Josh Coulson and welcomed back Jack Bridge.
Starting with Coulson, the piece of transfer news must have been music to the ears of Southend fans after relegation from the Football League.
The defender should add some much-needed stability at the heart of the Shrimpers’ defence. After signing, the defender told the official club website: “I met the manager at the training ground and we spoke about what he’s looking to do and it’s very much what I like to be part of.
“He likes his older players to lead by example so I’m looking forward to that. I don’t think you can shy away from the target. We’ll have that on our back because of the size of the club.
“It feels like a fresh start for the club and with the gaffer coming in towards the end of last season, unfortunately it was a bit too late to stay up. It’s going to be a tough season, but it will be good to see some fans back in the stadiums as well.”
We’re delighted to announce that centre-back @joshcoulson04 has completed a move to the club on a one-year deal with the option of a further year ✍️#Blues
— Southend United (@SUFCRootsHall) June 9, 2021
Jack Bridge Makes Southend Return
Southend didn’t stop there, either, going on to welcome Jack Bridge back to the club. The midfielder departed Roots Hall in 2018 due to a lack of game time. The signing of the 25-year-old midfielder capped off a busy day of transfer news at the football club.
𝗝𝗔𝗖𝗞’𝗦 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 👋
We’re delighted to confirm the return of Jack Bridge to Roots Hall on a one-year deal, which includes the option of a further year ✍️#Blues
— Southend United (@SUFCRootsHall) June 9, 2021
After putting pen to paper, Bridge told the club website: “It’s my home club, I’ve been here for years before, still live around the corner and talking to the people here it was something I was really excited about.
“It’s a club that is really close to me. I’ve been here since U9’s to the age of 21 before leaving. There was a chance of me coming back last season but this time it feels right and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
More Football Transfer News
Scott Brown [Port Vale – Exeter City] Free
Aaron Martin [Hamilton Academical – Port Vale] Free
Liam Lindsay [Stoke – Preston] Undisclosed
Tom Davies [Bristol Rovers – Tranmere] Free
Jack Payne [Eastleigh – Crawley] Undisclosed
Ryan Williams [Portsmouth – Oxford] Free
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