Southend United: Alan McCormack returns and Barnet striker Simeon Akinola joins

Simeon Akinola scored 24 goals in total during a three-and-a-half year spell with Barnet

Southend have re-signed midfielder Alan McCormack and added Barnet striker Simeon Akinola on a two-year deal.

McCormack, 36, left Roots Hall in 2010 having played more than 150 games and recently departed Northampton Town.

Akinola, 28, scored 15 goals in the National League for the Bees last season and Southend have an option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.

Before joining Barnet, Akinola helped Braintree Town reach the National League play-offs in 2015-16.

Irishman McCormack joined Charlton after leaving Southend, but spent the majority of his time away at Swindon and Brentford.

"It doesn't feel like I've been away," McCormack, who has signed an initial deal until January, said.

"When I had a phone call with the manager I was getting more and more excited to come back and I'm delighted it's done.

"I loved my time at this club beforehand. I moved away to try and do something different and new in my life but I'm just thankful that I'm able to come back and, hopefully, make a difference here."

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