Southend United sign Paul Smith on a two-year contract

Southend United have signed former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith on a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old, who had been on trial at Roots Hall, could make his debut in Tuesday's League Two game at Oxford.

He is the second keeper signed by manager Paul Sturrock in the space of a week following the arrival of Cameron Belford on loan from Bury.

Smith began his career at Charlton and had spells at Brentford and Southampton before joining Forest in 2006.

He made over 140 appearances for the Championship club, but only one last season in a League Cup tie against neighbours Notts County.

Meanwhile, Southend boss Paul Sturrock has confirmed he will not be offering a contract to Stalybridge Celtic winger Stephen Brogan, 24, for the time being.

"Stephen is one that we have been chatting to. He has great potential but at this moment in time we have a lot of players in that kind of position, so that is the way I look at it," he told the club's website.

Sturrock also confirmed he is hoping midfielder Bilel Mohsni will find a new club as quickly as possible.

The Frenchman has not returned to Roots Hall following a trial with West Ham and other sides are now interested in him.

"It's important we now move him on and then wait and see what options that gives us," said Sturrock.