Shrimpers make double Us swoop

Southend have made a double loan swoop for Colchester defenders Matt Heath and John White.

The Us pair have both arrived at Roots Hall on initial one-month deals but with the option to extend the agreement.

Heath, 27, is a 6ft 4in centre-back who joined Colchester from Leeds last summer following a loan spell at the club. He went on to make 14 league appearances last season, with a further six while on a two-month loan at Brighton.

White, a graduate from the club's trainee ranks, can play in both full-back positions and has made well over 100 appearances for the Us, including 26 in the league last term.

Both are set to make their debuts in Friday night's final pre-season friendly at Stevenage.

The news comes after Southend on Wednesday opted not to offer deals to centre-back Harry Worley or left-back Giele John, who had both been on trial at the club.

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