FIVE Southend United players have been made available for transfers.

Midfielder Conor Clifford, defenders Kane Farrell and Josh Banton and strikers Ellis Brown and Isaac Layne have all been told they are free to leave Roots Hall.

And boss Phil Brown, who has also made striker Jason Williams and midfielder Jack Bridge available for loan, insisted the changes have been made due to the arrival of some new signings.

“We have had various meetings looking at our squad and what is required to obtain promotion this season,” said Brown.

“We feel the need to bring in some players to help us achieve that goal in terms of goal threat and also additional experience.

“The changes, which are in progress now, will limit the opportunities for these players and I decided it was best to let them try and find a club now to help them progress their careers by going somewhere and playing, rather than wait until the summer, when significant numbers of players become free agents.”

“They have all been first class in their attitude but with the changes we are making it only seemed right to let them go and find first team football elsewhere”.

Clifford is the most surprising departure having started the season in fine form.

However, the Irishman has now not started since mid October and has come off the bench just once in Blues’ last 14 games.

Clifford joined Southend at the start of the last season and has scored three goals in 41 appearances.

The other four players who have been told they are free to leave have not appeared in the Shrimpers’ first team.