Southend have signed Tottenham striker Lee Barnard on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Defender Richards heads to Gillingham
Southend have signed Tottenham striker Lee Barnard on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Barnard, from Billericay, has had loan spells in the past with Exeter City, Leyton Orient and Northampton Town as well as having a temporary stay at Blue Square Premier side Stevenage.
The 23-year-old turned professional with Spurs in July 2002 and scored 18 goals in 19 appearances for the reserves in 2005/06 before making his debut with the first team at the end of the campaign.
During 2006/07 Barnard spent most of his time on the sidelines with an ankle injury he sustained in pre-season.
This term he has been on loan at Crewe and he will be available for the FA Cup tie with Barnsley on Friday.
Departure
Meanwhile, Garry Richards has left Southend and joined League One rivals Gillingham.
The centre-back has moved for an undisclosed fee and signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Richards joined Southend this summer in a £50,000 move from Essex rivals Colchester United but only made 14 appearances for the club.
