Anthony Wordsworth: Southend United sign ex-Ipswich midfielder

Wordsworth made 10 league appearances for Ipswich over two seasons

Southend United have signed midfielder Anthony Wordsworth on a two-year deal.

The former Ipswich player, 26, spent time on loan at Rotherham United and Crawley Town last season, before being released by the Tractor Boys.

Wordsworth came through the youth ranks at Southend's Essex rivals, Colchester United, making 139 league starts for the club.

Meanwhile, 35-year-old goalkeeper Paul Smith has signed a new one year deal with the Shrimpers.

Wordsworth said: "I met Phil Brown about three weeks back. He wanted me and I decided straight away that I wanted to play for him."

"I like to get forward and attack, getting in the box to score goals as well as creating for others. I know League One well and I'm really excited to be joining."

And Smith is targeting helping Southend off the pitch as well as on it.

"The manager was really keen for me to stay on in a player-coaching capacity," said Smith. "It's something I've been doing unofficially over the last couple of years.

"It's a good chance for me to help the young goalkeepers at this club."

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.