Southend United confirmed the exit of wing-back Harry Boyes for an undisclosed fee earlier this week, but how should they respond to ensure they remain competitive this season?
Kieran Dyer’s side sold the 24-year-old to League Two side York City for an undisclosed six-figure fee earlier this week, after they hijacked Notts County’s deal.
Boyes was under contract at Roots Hall, ensuring the Shrimpers protected themselves if a bid came in – meaning they now have funds to strengthen their squad even further.
Southend have already secured the likes of Darren Oldaker (Swindon Town), Anthony Hartigan (Barnet) and Jack Sims (Sutton United) this summer – but aren’t likely to be done just yet.
Therefore, where should Southend look to strengthen in the coming weeks?
Where should Southend look to strengthen?
In order to try and gauge a clearer understanding of the areas in which Southend need to strengthen this summer, it was important to speak to a supporter.
Therefore, Shrimper Stats came of assistance, detailing the areas in which he believed the club needed to sign players in. He stated to the Football Lowdown’s Callum…
‘Even before Harry Boyes’ departure, the message from the club has been that there’s a healthy budget for a new striker, and they want to make the right signing.
‘I’d fully expect a new number nine to be signed in the next few weeks, to add to Harry Cardwell and Charley Kendall, possibly after the EFL window shuts.
‘With only two recognised full-backs in the whole squad, and with midfielder Sam Austin deputising on either side, I’d also like to see additional cover brought in at right and left back.’
With that information now onboard, let’s dive into possible options that they could consider.
A new number nine:
Up first, it’s important to address the elephant in the room and that is Southend’s continued requirement for a new number nine.
The 2025/26 season saw them rely heavily on Barnsley loanee Andy Dallas, but despite impressing – he wasn’t permanent and has since departed for League Two side Walsall.
Boston United star Tom Cursons is realistically a potential standout target, but given their own aims – a deal is almost certainly unlikely to occur – so who could they go after?
If they aim to weaken a league rival, Eastleigh’s Aaron Blair could be an option, especially with his ability to play as a striker or out wide. The 26-year-old scored 17 goals for the Spitfires last season, almost single handedly keeping them in the division.
Given Dyer’s connections, West Ham United youngster Josh Landers could be an option for the Shrimpers. Landers featured nine times for Boreham Wood on loan last season, scoring against Solihull Moors and featured in the play-off final.
If an EFL player is their preference, Fleetwood Town’s Will Davies should be a player on their radar this summer. The 27-year-old is a proven goalscorer at National League level with Sutton United, York City and Braintree Town respectively and isn’t likely to be their main starter this season either.
Left-Back competition:
Whilst Southend United have already signed a new left-back in Kyle McAdam, following a successful trial – some more competition to help replace Harry Boyes could be of need.
Boyes hit double figures for goal contributions during his singular season for Southend, but now is playing for York City.
With McAdam being an inexperienced option, it is likely that Southend need someone that is proven at first-team level to provide something different moving into the new season.
Experienced left-back Scott Malone could provide an older head – having featured 16 times in League Two last season for Crawley Town.
Similarly, another experienced option could be former Sheffield Wednesday defender Marvin Johnson. The 35-year-old has been with the PFA this summer, having featured seven times for League One side Port Vale last season.
However, one name that has already been mentioned is York City’s Ben Brookes. The 25-year-old featured 35 times for the club last season, but started less than half of those – yet still contributed to nine goals. If Boyes & Mark Kitching are the preferred options, a loan or permanent move for Brookes could be the ideal move for the Shrimpers.
Right-Back depth:
On the other side, Southend also said goodbye to Gus Scott-Morriss during the summer, after he opted to join League Two side Oldham Athletic on a free transfer after his contract came to an end.
The Shrimpers have already signed experienced right-back Vontae Daley-Campbell, who Dyer knows from his stint with Chesterfield.
However, Daley-Campbell is injury prone and has struggled throughout his career, meaning the club will likely need another right-back to provide competition.
It’s an ambitious suggestion given he made 44 appearances for League One side Barnsley last season, but right-back Tennai Watson remains a free agent. The 29-year-old has plenty of EFL experience with the likes of Barnsley, MK Dons and Charlton Athletic – meaning the Shrimpers could be ideal location wise as well as adding proven quality at the back.
Someone that’s proven at National League level and currently without a club is Adam Adetoro. The 24-year-old has been a regular feature for Halifax Town across the previous two seasons, but left earlier this summer after falling out of favour towards the end of the season.
If Southend had eyes for a somewhat ambitious move, tempting Dorking Wanderers’ Brennan Camp could be a sensible addition. The 25-year-old contributed to 13 goals in the National League South last season, including nine strikes of his own – linking him similarly to Scott-Morriss.
Southend fans, what are your thoughts on these suggestions ahead of the opening weeks of the 2026/27 National League season.
