Versatile defender Lewis Hunt has signed a two-year deal with the Shrimpers.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a solid loan spell with the League Two side last season and is delighted to be joining the Roots Hall outfit on a more permanent basis.

"I'm very pleased," said Hunt. "I may have taken my time making the decision but I had to make sure everything was right and I was getting what I wanted.

"It's a big move for me because I'll be moving down to the area with my girlfriend, but I'm really looking forward to playing for Southend again now."

Hunt met several other clubs for transfer talks but said he was always keen to come back to the Shrimpers, for whom he made 34 appearances during the previous campaign.

"I knew what I was getting at Blues," he said.

"I'd seen the set up, I knew the lads were a great group and that they had a good manager who was building a good team that was going in the right direction."

And Blues Boss Steve Tilson was also delighted at securing Hunt's services for another two seasons.

"Lewis can play in a lot of positions which is excellent when you have a small squad," he said.

"We saw what he was capable of last season. He's a good player and I'm sure he will do well for us."

Published Thursday July 1, 2004

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