SOUTHEND United new boy Jamal Campbell-Ryce is delighted to have finally sealed his switch to the Shrimpers.

The speedy 22-year-old, who can play both on the wing and in attack, has agreed a three-month loan deal to Roots Hall after weeks of speculation surrounding his future.

During that spell Blues boss Steve Tilson had a £100,000 bid for the former Charlton Athletic trainee turned down - after also failing in a loan swoop last season.

And Campbell Ryce was beginning to fear the move would never materialise. "I handed in a transfer request at Rotherham but I was in the starting line up and they were reluctant to let me go," he said.

"They wanted me to stay and I was beginning to think nothing was going to happen. But now I'm delighted to be at Southend and to be back nearer my home in West London."