New signing, goalkeeper Steve Collis, will be looking to push Darryl Flahavan for the number one jersey next season after signing for Southend this evening.

Collis, 25, was at Roots Hall this evening to sign a two-year contract with Southend United after arriving on a free transfer from League One side Yeovil Town.

But despite current favourite Flahavan's impressive form last term the 6ft 4ins shot-stopper is determined to fight for a starting role in the Championship.

"When I was at Yeovil Chris Weale and I had a battle throughout our time together," Collis told southendunited.co.uk tonight.

"I think that's good when you have competition because it keeps both players on their toes.

"I'm not just signing to sit on the bench, I want to play games, and that sort of healthy competition will benefit both of us as well as the Football Club."

Collis will link up with former Glovers team-mate Efe Sodje at the Club after the Nigerian joined the Blues back in January.

And Steve, who jets off on holiday to Dubai tomorrow, revealed he'd, sounded out his friend about a move to the Essex side.

"I spoke to Sodje earlier this week about the Club and which direction they were going in and he spoke very well of things," he said.

"He's someone I get on with and he has been enjoying his time here. Having spoken with Steve Tilson earlier today I was very impressed with everything he had to say.

"Last year what Southend achieved was remarkable and they were by far the best side Yeovil played, both home and away, I'm delighted to be apart of this excellent team."

Collis played 24 games last term for Yeovil keeping 4 cleansheets for the Somerset outfit.

The former Nottingham Forest custodian signs after Southend winger Mark Gower had earlier agreed to extend his stay with Steve Tilson's side for a further two seasons.

Article Source: Official site

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