League One Southend have confirmed the signing of released Blues midfielder Luke Hyam on a two-year deal with the Shrimpers having an option for a further season. The 26-year-old left Portman Road after 15 years at the club in May.

“It’s been in the pipeline for a few weeks now and I’m just glad to have signed and I can’t wait to get started,” Hyam told Southend’s official website.

“I was at Ipswich for a long period of time and there was some uncertainty when I came into the last year of my contract there, but this is an opportunity to come somewhere different and I can’t wait to get my teeth into it.”

Outlining what Shrimpers fans can expect from him, Hyam added: “I’ve got a lot of energy, I like to get around the pitch and put tackles in and be very competitive. I also like to lead on the pitch and make my presence known.”

After an injury-hit couple of seasons Hyam says he wants to be out on the field week in, week out.

“First and foremost I just want to get back playing football,” he continued. “For the last two or three years I haven’t played regularly.

✍️

Welcome to #Blues, @LukeHyam19 👊

The midfielder has signed a two-year deal at Roots Hall with an option of another 12 months! 🔵⚽️

👉 https://t.co/z54aD0tZUH pic.twitter.com/lMLG1eKlhw– Southend United (@SUFCRootsHall) July 2, 2018

“I spoke to the gaffer [Chris Powell] and he was a main reason for me joining with his ambitions for next season.

“Of course every player wants to play at the highest level possible. I’ve played my whole career in the Championship, so dropping down to League One I just want to get back up there with Southend.”

Former Northgate High School pupil Hyam made 118 starts and 28 sub appearances for his hometown club, scoring three goals having come through the academy. He spent a month on loan at Rotherham during 2015/16, making two starts and three sub appearances.

Meanwhile, former Shrewsbury winger Alex Rodman, 31, who was believed to be interesting his former boss Paul Hurst having left the Shrews recently, has joined League One Bristol Rovers.

Photo: TWTD

DJ27 added 16:02 - Jul 2 Cue number of comments now saying we can't compete with Bristol Rovers.
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ParisBlue added 16:13 - Jul 2 I seem to recall that 12 months ago we couldn't compete with Bury and Harry Bunn. Nothing has changed...
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ParisBlue added 16:16 - Jul 2 As for Luke good luck to him. Wouldn't have been unhappy if he had stayed but should open the door to se more of Flynn Downes.
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boroughblue added 16:22 - Jul 2 Before snowflakes lose their heads over Rodman going to Bristol. Please consider the fact that Hurst probably decided against him. I'm sure if we were actually that keen on Rodman he would of chosen us over Bristol. Especially since Hurst and Rodman know each other well. Please think it through before you slate the club. Anyway, good Luck Luke. Hopefully you can push on with your career and enjoy your football without injury! A good player who always gave his all and worked hard for the club

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Daz added 16:22 - Jul 2 Great move all round. Good luck Luke
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arc added 16:23 - Jul 2 Good luck, Luke–thanks for everything.
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Monkey_Blue added 16:24 - Jul 2 Good luck to Hyam, think he was under-rated and with regular football would have developed a lot the last couple of years. Hope he stays fit: Also glad Rodman isn't coming here and the fact he's not attracted any championship club says why.
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Daz added 16:24 - Jul 2 Alex Rodman, 31 not bothered. need younger don't we?
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Monkey_Blue added 16:24 - Jul 2 Good luck to Hyam, think he was under-rated and with regular football would have developed a lot the last couple of years. Hope he stays fit: Also glad Rodman isn't coming here and the fact he's not attracted any championship club says why.
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Monkey_Blue added 16:24 - Jul 2 Good luck to Hyam, think he was under-rated and with regular football would have developed a lot the last couple of years. Hope he stays fit: Also glad Rodman isn't coming here and the fact he's not attracted any championship club says why.
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bluehook added 16:28 - Jul 2 Boroughblue - no more Daily Mail ‘snowflake' silly talk please.
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BlueandTruesince82 added 16:44 - Jul 2 Pleased for him. Good pro stunted by injury, hope he gets back on track there
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senduntd added 16:56 - Jul 2 Great for Luke ,he can still live in Ipswich and travel to S outhend only 40 miles. I supported Southend from 1946 to 1973 always enjoyed it .
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Popeye added 17:15 - Jul 2 Once rumoured to be interesting Wenger at Arsenal but injuries have hampered his career for past two seasons and he's gone backwards career wise. Should do well at Southend if he can keep fit but the fact he has had to drop down a league to get a 2 year contract with an option suggests he has found his level as no other championship club appear to have been interested in signing him.

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carsey added 17:16 - Jul 2 I wish him well. Always liked his full on attitude but was constantly concerned he would get booked or sent off. Shame he had so many injuries but hopefully he's over it now and sees some regular football.
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Hamish1979 added 17:39 - Jul 2 Popeye - I very much doubt Luke Hyam was ever 'interesting' Arsene Wenger unless you mean in the romantic sense. I think you've been eating too much spinach.
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jas0999 added 17:45 - Jul 2 Hyam is a very good division one player. I wish him well, but I personally don't think he is good enough for a team chasing promotion. Rodman - wrong age and again question marks about his ability at this level.
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ChrisFelix added 18:14 - Jul 2 What done for him was playing in a midfield with Duggie & Skusey. After the drivel of the Mccarthy years I'm enjoying watching the world cup
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BlueandTruesince82 added 18:15 - Jul 2 Star says Vinncent Young is part of the training camp this week
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PortmanTerrorist added 07:34 - Jul 3 Unlucky to have the ITFC managers he did. Another who did not prefer his 'boys' Skuglas would have given Luke more time and i truly believe there is a great footballer in there with a huge heart. Something we have seriously lacked at times. Good luck Luke....always one of our own !
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Hegansheroes added 10:52 - Jul 3 Never thought much of him, probably mid table div 1 is his level, probably didn't help playing with Douglas & Skuse but no finesse to his game whatsoever. Too keen on putting the boot to make up for his lack of ability, wish him well however
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jimmyjames added 09:28 - Jul 4 Good Luck - never given a decent run to prove his worth. Southend have gained a decent player - hope he does really well there. Good luck Luke.
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