Southend United Football Club

• Nickname:Shrimpers
• Founded:1906
• Manager:Paul Sturrock

• Ground:Roots Hall
• Capacity:12392

Harding agrees Blues loan

08 Aug 2008 - 12:02:38

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Southend United manager Steve Tilson has continued his last-minute shopping spree by adding Ipswich Town left-back Dan Harding to his threadbare squad on a loan deal that lasts until 1 January 2009.

Tilson has also snapped up Bristol City winger Kevin Betsy and Chelsea's Anthony Grant in the last few hours before the start of the Shrimpers' League One campaign.

Harding started his career with Brighton and Hove Albion before moving to Leeds United in a £850,000 deal three years ago.

The 24-year-old made 21 appearances for Leeds before heading to Portman Road in August 2006 as part of the deal that saw Ian Westlake move in the opposite direction.

Harding told Southend's official website: "Dropping down a division is a big decision, but at this point in my career I need to play games and hopefully it will work well for both parties.

"I've come here to do well and play games for the club. Ipswich is only up the road so it isn't far and I'm happy to do the journey if it means playing football."