Southend United chairman Ron Martin hopes to make two more new signings before tomorrow's season's opener with Peterbor-ough United at Roots Hall. The Shrimpers have already completed the free transfer of midfielder Anthony Grant from Chelsea and brought in winger Kevin Betsy from Bristol City for a nominal fee last night. But Martin, who also revealed the club had turned down an offer from Crystal Palace for transfer listed midfielder Nicky Bailey, is still chasing another pair of targets. One of those is left-back Dan Harding, who is close to completing a six-month loan move from Ipswich Town, but Blues are also chasing a young League One centre-back. "We've signed Anthony on a two-year deal but I also hope to have another three players in the next day or two, hopefully before tomorrow's game," said Martin.
Southend Echo

Swindon Town's League One rivals Southend United have won the race to sign Bristol City winger Kevin Betsy. The 30-year-old, a long-time target for County Ground boss Maurice Malpas, opted for a switch to Roots Hall for a nominal fee last night. "A few sides in League One and League Two showed some interest but for me it was coming to see the manager and hearing his ethos which suited me," Betsy told Southend's official website.
Swindon Advertiser

There may not be too many new faces at Roots Hall for the start of the new season on Saturday, but there will be one on the microphone - Peter Holmes. The former Essex FM and Breeze radio presenter has taken over the responsibilities on a matchday from Brian Wheeler, who has now left the club. And the lifelong Blues supporter could not more excited about the chance to entertain thousands of fellow fans before each big match. "I've been a fan since I was nine and I'm 56 now so the club has always been a big part of my life and it's going to be fantastic," said Holmes.
Southend Echo