Southend United close to signing Marc Laird on loan from Leyton Orient

11:44pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in Sport By Chris Phillips

Paul Sturrock - close to signing a new midfielder Paul Sturrock - close to signing a new midfielder

SOUTHEND United are close to signing Leyton Orient midfielder Marc Laird on loan.

Blues had been expected to bring in Tamika Mkandawire from Milwall.

But, with doubts remaining over his fitness, boss Paul Sturrock has now turned his attentions towards Laird and he is expected to report to the club's Boots & Laces training ground on Friday.

Laird began his career with Manchester City before spending time on loan with borth Northampton Town and Port Vale.

Laird then joined Millwall in January 2008 and made 92 appearances for the Lions.

Loan spells with Brentford and Walsall followed before the 26-year-old joined Leyton Orient in July 2011.

He has since made 29 appearances for the O's but just two of those have come this season and he is keen to be playing regular first team football.

Despite Laird's arrival, Blues still remain keen on Mkandawire and he is expected to train with Sturrock's side next week.

Comments(2)

essex_oracle says...
8:19am Fri 26 Oct 12

I like Laird, but was never given a chance at Orient. Often he was used as a sub when we were a goal or two down and chasing the game. The times he started he looked calm and assured, and scored a couple of crackers last season.

I often wondered why so many sub-standard loanees and centre-halves, used as emergency midfielders were chosen ahead of him.

Hope he does well for you.

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Shrimper Nation says...
12:04pm Fri 26 Oct 12

Cheers Oracle - sounds promising

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