Breaking News Nick Hayes Signs

[Cricko]

Blues Sign Goalkeeper Nick Hayes

The official website of Southend United FC

www.southendunited.co.uk

Southend United are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Nick Hayes from Barnet for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper has put pen to paper on a permanent contract that will keep him at Roots Hall until the summer of 2026.

It will be Hayes’ second spell at the Shrimpers, having featured impressively during a one-month loan in October 2023.

Hayes expressed his excitement about joining the Blues, stating: "As soon as Southend were interested in signing me I wanted to come here straight away. I didn’t take much convincing at all to be honest, I knew I wanted to come back.

"I’ve picked up more games and more experiences since I was last on loan here. I had a great spell at Solihull last year and thought I did well at Barnet this year too. I’m going to grasp this opportunity with both hands and honestly, I can’t wait to get back in front of them fans."

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Hayes began his career at Ipswich Town before spells with Norwich City U21s, Woking, Salford City and Hemel Hempstead. He returned to Ipswich in 2022 before his loan to Blues and then Solihull Moors last season. He signed for Barnet last summer where he established himself as a commanding presence between the posts.

On securing the signing, Head Coach Kevin Maher said: "We’re really pleased to bring Nick in. He’s a talented goalkeeper with great attributes, and we believe he’ll be a strong addition to the squad. Competition for places is always important, and Nick’s arrival will push everyone to keep improving."

Hayes will wear the number one shirt, which is available to sponsor. Email commercial@southend-united.co.uk or call 01702 304147 for more details.

Welcome back to Roots Hall, Nick!

 

[JCB]

Great news this, personally think he’s the best keeper we’ve had since we’ve been down here. Saves us the crap rotating cast of loanees we have whenever Collin gets injured, and will hopefully push his game up a level once he’s fit again

 

[tottenham541]

Gonna be interesting as both keepers will want games, can KM keep them both happy, good competition for the no 1 shirt.

 

[Dave Smiths Love Child]

Welcome Nick, just don’t have a howler in first game, the crowd and Shrimperzone will go in melt down

 

[lreed567]

Great signing, what is needed surely he will go straight into the line up for Saturday?

 

[ColinMorrisWalksOnWater]

Really chuffed to have Nick Hayes on board permanently. He'll know the ethos of the club and hopefully provide competition and camaraderie with Collin, when he is fit again.

Also nice to have two of "our own" in the squad and not have to rely on loans when the going gets tough with injuries.

Welcome Back, for longer this time Nick!

 

[Avl1983]

I know it was only a month but I thought he was better than Colin during the time we had him, good signing and great to have two goalkeepers now.

 

[Colchester and proud!]

Congrats guys, I hope the boy from Clacton does well for you.

 

[tommy tucker]

Great news this But why is our squads contracts all finish in 2026 All but our new midfielder who goes on to 2027

 

[Fairport]

I know it was only a month but I thought he was better than Colin during the time we had him, good signing and great to have two goalkeepers now.

It's all about opinions but I have not been very impressed with him on ocassions. Also Barnet dropped him. Hope he does well but I would prefer Collin. Will be interesting to see who keeps the number one spot when Collin is fit.

 

[SUFCGoals]

Great news this But why is our squads contracts all finish in 2026 All but our new midfielder who goes on to 2027

Do penguins get cold?

 

[Leeboy]

welcome back big man

 

[Rattus Norvegicus]

Excellent - I was told the new letters would be in this week ...........

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Top job, very happy with the recent signings

 

[Rattus Norvegicus]

Whatever style of football one plays, one starts at the back with a good goalie and a tight defence in front ......... and build from there.

 

[londonblue]

It's all about opinions but I have not been very impressed with him on ocassions. Also Barnet dropped him. Hope he does well but I would prefer Collin. Will be interesting to see who keeps the number one spot when Collin is fit.

On the basis that Collin is number 30 I guess it won't be him.

 

[Barry.C]

Welcome back to Nick

Good signing ! Good age at 25 best yet to come ? Lots of experience already and 6.4" or thereabouts I think

 

[Barry.C]

Are we still keeping Harness for now?

 

[Shrimper]

It's all about opinions but I have not been very impressed with him on ocassions. Also Barnet dropped him. Hope he does well but I would prefer Collin. Will be interesting to see who keeps the number one spot when Collin is fit.

Easy to forget Collin is still very young. Hayes #1 but this isn't an indictment on Collin

 

[THE SEVENTIES NORTH BANK]

Full interview here. It's a really good one. He's really ambitious. He also mentions going for the play-offs.