Southend United Sign Ryan Battrum on Loan for Promotion Push

Southend United have moved to sharpen their promotion push with the loan capture of West Ham United right-back Ryan Battrum on a month-long deal.

The 21-year-old, who is equally comfortable stepping into midfield, already knows Roots Hall and its noise. He faced Southend in a pre-season friendly for West Ham back in July and the occasion clearly left a mark.

"When I heard about Southend's interest I was buzzing," Battrum told the club’s website. "I've played against them and watched them a lot. Getting crowds of 10,000 in the National League is amazing."

For Kieron Dyer, it is a timely addition to a squad that has started fast. Southend sit fifth in the early National League table, beaten just once in seven games, and the manager wants depth to sustain that tempo.

"It's always good to have two players for every position," Dyer said. "He gives Vontae Daley-Campbell great competition at right-back. He's got great energy, power, and strength, and he can also invert which we like our full-backs to do. He ticks all the boxes."

The deal is short, the intent anything but. Battrum is in contention straight away and will be available for Tuesday night’s home clash with Tamworth, where those 10,000 voices might get their first proper look at Southend’s latest addition.