Mark Phillips: AFC Wimbledon sign Southend defender

Phillips won the League Two title with Brentford in 2008-09

League Two side AFC Wimbledon have signed Southend United defender Mark Phillips on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old made 32 appearances for the Shrimpers last season before ending the campaign on loan at Aldershot Town.

"He's very aggressive in both boxes, he knows the league and I know the character we are getting," Dons boss Neal Ardley told the club website.

"We are really pleased and hopefully he can add to the quality, experienced centre-halves that we've already got."

He added: "He absolutely puts his body on the line and he's probably picked up one or two injuries based on how gung-ho he is.

"I'm confident he will be good in both boxes from set-pieces and will score goals. He's a good size and brings a lot of aggression, which you need at this level."

Former Millwall trainee Phillips joined Southend from Brentford in summer 2010 and scored 13 goals in 114 appearances during his time at Roots Hall.

Wimbledon have not disclosed the length of the centre-back's deal.