SOUTHEND United’s head of youth Ricky Duncan admitted to being ‘over the moon’ when he heard the former London Soccerdome was heading to Boots & Laces.

The indoor training facility will enable the Blues’ youth set up move from category three to category two.

And Duncan is certain that will help him to produce even more players for the Shrimpers’ first team.

“An indoor training facility is the biggest thing we need to move up to category two so this is fantastic and I was over the news when I heard about it,” said Duncan.

“It doesn’t automatically mean we will get to category two but it’s a huge step in the right direction.

“If we can make the step up then it will give us a much better game programmes against clubs from a higher level and it will definitely help with the recruitment of players as well.

“I really do think it is brilliant news.”

Southend’s youth set up, which has produced first team stars Daniel Bentley and Jack Payne in recent seasons, has been described as one of the best category three clubs in the country.

And the arrival of the dome would also be of huge benefit for the youngsters already at the club who are bidding to follow in their foot-steps.

“Even if we were to stay as category three, an indoor training facility would be of huge use for us all,” said Duncan.

“Yesterday for instance we couldn’t go outside and train because the pitches at the training ground were so sodden.

“With the dome here that would never happen and we would be able to train whenever we wanted to.

“It really would be fantastic and I think it would be of huge benefit for the football club, not just the youth department.”