Southend defender Bilel Mohsni has completed his switch to the Blues, signing a three-month loan. Yesterday, TWTD revealed that the 25-year-old had returned to Playford Road for a second trial spell.
Boss Paul Jewell told the club site: "He was here for a week and we wanted him to stay for another few days to have a further look at him but Bilel went back to France in a bit of a huff.
"I spoke to his agent on Wednesday though and the lad was desperate to come back and show us what he can do.
"He was on a train from Paris straight away and was knocking on my office door yesterday morning, ready to go.
"He’s 6ft 3in and can play at the back, in midfield and up front. He’s dead keen to do well, has come in on a good deal for the club and will give us some physicality because we are not a big team.
"We know he’s a one-off character but he could be one of those players that can come into club from nowhere and do something.”
The 25-year-old, who has fallen out with the Shrimpers, impressed during a week-long trial last month but turned down the chance to return for a second spell and spent time with Birmingham.
Paris-born Mohsni, who is primarily a centre-half, played for French lower league clubs CO Les Ulis, US Saint-Georges and Sainte-Geneviève Sports before joining Southend after a trial in July 2010.
Southend rebuffed a £250,000 offer from Blackpool in January 2011 with Mohsni having made a good early impression.
He faced the Blues in the 1-1 pre-season draw at Roots Hall prior to the start of the 2011/12 season, playing one half at the back and one up front and almost getting himself sent off for clashing with Lee Martin, Andy Drury amongst others in a lively, effective and not a little volatile performance.
Last season, cult figure Mohsni operated as a striker and then as a winger for Paul Sturrock’s side but failed to show for the start of pre-season training this time around as he was looking to play at a higher level, subsequently joining West Ham on trial.
The Hammers were impressed enough to offer £150,000 for 6ft 3in tall Mohsni but the Shrimpers refused the offer and the player returned to France.
He subsequently spent time with Celtic on trial before moving on to Playford Road for his first spell, during which time he scored in the 6-0 U21s victory over Cardiff.
Photo: ITFC