Southend United Sign Ryan Battrum on Loan to Boost Promotion Push

Southend United have moved to strengthen their promotion push with the loan signing of West Ham United right-back Ryan Battrum on a month-long deal.

The 21-year-old, who is equally comfortable stepping into midfield, knows Roots Hall well enough already. He faced Southend in a pre-season friendly for West Ham back in July and has kept a close eye on them since.

"When I heard about Southend's interest I was buzzing," Battrum told the club’s website. "I've played against them and watched them a lot. Getting crowds of 10,000 in the National League is amazing."

For Kieron Dyer, it’s another key piece in a side that has started fast. Southend sit fifth in the early National League table, with just one defeat from their opening seven matches and a clear sense of momentum building on the Essex coast.

Dyer has been clear about what he wants from his full-backs, and Battrum fits the brief.

"It's always good to have two players for every position," the Southend boss said. "He gives Vontae Daley-Campbell great competition at right-back. He's got great energy, power, and strength, and he can also invert which we like our full-backs to do. He ticks all the boxes."

Competition on the right side of defence now looks fierce, exactly how Dyer wants it as the fixtures begin to stack up.

Battrum will be available immediately and is in contention for Tuesday night’s home clash with Tamworth, where those 10,000 voices will get their first real look at Southend’s latest addition.