PROP James Armitage has returned to Southend Rugby Club and is expected to figure in tomorrow’s crunch clash with Clifton at Warners Bridge.

Armitage spent time on loan with the Seasiders three seasons ago.

And he is thrilled to again be teaming up with the National Two South club.

“I’m very pleased to be back at Southend and I’m very much looking forward to the matches we have coming up,” said the 27-year-old.

“I’ve changed my job so I’m now working in Chelmsford which is nearer to Southend and I’m good friends with Chris Green so it all made sense for me to come back and play there again.

“There’s a good set up there and I really like the lads at the club too so I’m hoping to be able to make a difference to the team and help us get up the table.

“I think Southend should be higher up with the players they have and hopefully we can make that happen before the end of the season.”

Southend are currently second from bottom in the table but have shown real signs of improvement in their last couple of games.

The Seasiders beat Launceston 20-17 before suffering a narrow 14-13 defeat against Shelford in their last game.

And Armitage wants another strong display when Clifton visit Warners Bridge this weekend.

“It’s an important game and we want a good result,” said Armitage, who played for Shelford before heading back to Southend.

“Clifton will be a strong side but we’ll be going out to get the win.”

Clifton sit 10th in the National Two standings but have lost eight of their last nine games.

They beat Southend 36-24 when the two teams met in September but, as the Seasiders bid for revenge tomorrow, they will also be able to call on fit again centre Mike Stanley.

He missed the Shelford defeat with an ankle problem but is now back in contention to play.