STEPHEN MCLAUGHLIN has joined Sky Bet League One outfit Southend United on a two-year deal from Nottingham Forest.
The Isle of Doagh, Ballyliffin, native (pictured above) was on loan at Roots Hall last season, scoring twice in nine games as Southend won the League Two play-offs to seal their promotion.
Manager Phil Brown believes the former Clonmany Shamrocks, Finn Harps and Derry City might take a little while to find his best form, but is content with the signature of the 25-year-old.
“I think Stephen’s had an indifferent pre-season so his match fitness might not be there just yet,” said Brown in The Echo.
“It might take him a little bit of time to get back up to speed but I think we saw during his loan spell the kind of quality he possesses.
“Stephen will give us balance down that left hand side. He’s a good player and he definitely has the talent to be able to play in the Championship so it’s great news we’ve been able to bring him back.”
“I’m really pleased to have brought Stephen back and not many teams at this level will have options like we do out wide now.”
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