SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown wants the addition of Jake Cassidy and Adam Barrett to improve his side’s form in front of goal.

Striker Cassidy has signed on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end of the season while centre-back Barrett has also joined until May after being let go by Gillingham.

And Brown, whose team have scored just 24 goals in 25 league games this season, is hoping the duo can make a big difference.

“I think they are both really good signings for us and I’m looking forward to working with them,” said the Blues boss.

“Jake is someone I have tracked for a number of years, even before coming to Southend and Adam Barrrett is an experienced defender with a great record.

“Centre-backs should chip in with the odd goal and Adam does that. His record from set pieces is impressive.

“We haven’t had a defender score yet this season and we needed to address that.

“We’ve brought Adam in and we have real competition for places there now.”

The popular Barrett was a huge success during his first stint between 2004 and 2010.

But, having now returned to Roots Hall, the 35-year-oldd will be battling with Adam Thompson, Jerome Binnom-Williams and Luke Prosser, who has now completed a one match suspension, for a place in the starting line-up at Oxford United this weekend.

At the other end of the pitch, Cassidy is also facing a fight to get in to the team.

And he has come to the club after being recommended by Blues’ chief scout Bob Shaw.

“Jake has been at Wolves for a while and Bob Shaw really has a feel for this player,” said Brown.

“His work rate is tremendous and he can score all types of goals.

“It also adds to an area to the field which needs pressure put on it.

“But he won’t walk straight in to the side and neither will Adam.”

Cassidy has also previously spent time on loan at Tranmere Rovers.

And Brown has defended his decision to bring the 21-year-old to the club just days after insisting he needed more experience in attack.

“It’s the market that we’re in,” said the 55-year-old.

“We can’t go and buy an established 27-year-old.

“That would be £200,000 to £250,000.

“But Jake has been out there and he’s done it at a higher level.”