McCormack completes Valley move

Former Southend midfielder Alan McCormack has joined Charlton on a free transfer.

Southend agreed to cancel the contracts of McCormack and his team-mate Adam Barrett, who has since joined Crystal Palace, after a request from the pair.

Charlton boss Phil Parkinson is delighted to have acquired the services of the 26-year-old and he told the club's official website: "I'm really pleased to have Alan on board. He fits the bill in terms of his enthusiasm and his hunger to join Charlton. He's a player I've watched many, many times and I always come away admiring his performance. We look forward to working with him."

He added: "The thing that struck me about him more than anything else was his hunger. Anyone I bring into this club this summer, whether it's a member of staff or a player, has got to relish the challenge, as I am doing, because it's going to be a challenge this season."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.