New Southend United left-back Jamie Stuart today thanked the Seasiders for giving him the chance to return south.

The 26-year-old has joined Blues on a free transfer from Third Division rivals Bury, where he made 43 appearances last term, ending a two-year spell away from his London roots.

And the former England under-21 international, who has also played for Charlton Athletic and Millwall, said it was great to be back home.

"I had a good time at Bury and enjoyed playing for the club but I jumped at the chance of joining Southend," said Stuart.

"I never had a problem living up north, but I've got an eight-month-old daughter now and my wife and I wanted to be nearer our family in London.

"The manager at Bury, Andy Preece, understood the situation because he has been there himself and he helped make the move to Southend possible.

"I still had a year left on my contract at Gigg Lane and he could have asked for a transfer fee, but he never made it hard for me to come here and I'm very grateful for that.

"And now I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead at Roots Hall. I had a good season at Bury last year, making the promotion play-offs before losing to the eventual winners Bournemouth and it would be nice to go one better with Blues.

"I can promise the Southend fans I will give them my all. I'm a committed player and I never pull out of challenges. I'll do everything I can to help this club get success."

Stuart was a big prospect at Charlton, progressing through the same youth team as current Premiership superstars Richard Rufus, who is still at The Valley, and controversial England midfielder Lee Bowyer.

But at 19 years of age the defender, who played for his country in the prestigious Toulon under-21 tournament, nearly destroyed his career when he received a year's ban from football for a positive drugs test.

"It was a silly mistake but one I have learnt from," added Stuart. "If anything it has made me a better and more focused person.

Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003

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