New Blues defender Mark Warren cannot wait to get started on his Roots Hall career.

The centre-half signed a 12-month deal yesterday following a medical and is now raring to go.

Signed up - Mark Warren and his two-year-old daughter Macy-Leigh at Roots Hall yesterday Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

"I haven't played in the Third Division for quite a while but I don't think it's much different to the Second," said the 28-year-old, who was handed a free transfer by Division Two outfit Colchester United at the end of the season.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge and can't wait to get back into the swing of things because I haven't played first team football for three months through injury."

Warren said he was grateful that Southend offered him a contract and is impressed by the Roots Hall set-up.

"It's a big club that should be playing at a higher level than they are," he added.

More on Southend United FC

What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board.

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo