BEN Goodliffe has left Colchester United after one season and signed for their Essex neighbours Southend United for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old, who joined the U's on a two-year deal from Sutton United last summer, has signed a two-year contract with the Shrimpers where he spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan.
The defender played his part in helping Southend reach the National League play-off final at Wembley Stadium, which they lost to Oldham Athletic.
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Goodliffe made 14 appearances for Colchester, with eight of them league starts and scored four goals during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Colchester boss Danny Cowley said: “Ben went to Southend at the back end of last season on loan.
“He did really well for them and helped them get to the play-off final where they just came up a little bit short.
“We’ll be sad to see Ben go – he’s a really good person and a good player.
“But it was a move that was right for all parties and we wish him well.”
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Goodliffe is the second central defender to leave Colchester this summer, following the departure of Fiacre Kelleher to Cork City last month.
The U's are still in talks with skipper Tom Flanagan for him to stay at the JobServe Community Stadium for the 2025/26 season, following the expiry of his contract.
After completing his move to South Essex, defender Goodliffe told the Southend United website: “I loved my time here.
“When there was a chance to come back, I was looking forward to trying to get a deal done, and I’m glad we’ve been able to get it done.
“The staff, the players, everything behind the scenes – I really enjoyed it.
"Playing in front of the incredible fanbase was something I also really enjoyed, and I wanted to be part of that again.”
