BLUES boss Paul Sturrock has revealed he let Pat Baldwin join Exeter City on loan for the rest of the season so the defender could play more first team football.

Baldwin came to Southend from Colchester United during the January transfer window.

But the centre-back played just twice before being allowed to join the Grecians.

“Pat is a model professional and Exeter offered him the opportunity to go there and play,” said Sturrock.

“I was honest with about the situation and said I couldn’t promise him that here so that’s why I allowed him to go.”