ANTHONY Straker and Gavin Tomlin are both targeting promotion after completing moves to Southend United.

Left-back Straker and versatile attacker Tomlin have now both put pen to paper at Roots Hall.

And they are keen to help the club secure a top three finish next season to get Blues back in to League One.

“I felt it was time for me to have a fresh challenge and this is a good move for me because promotion is definitely possible here next year,” said Straker, who has signed a two-year deal.

“The team got up towards the top of the table last season for a reason and they were certainly hard to play against.

“They only just fell short of going up and hopefully we can go one better next year and I can play a part in that happening.”

Straker comes to Blues after a five year spell at Aldershot which saw him make 222 first team appearances.

Southend will also need to pay a fee for the defender as he is under 24 years old but this has yet to be agreed between the two clubs.

Tomlin will join Straker at Roots Hall next season after joining on a one-year deal.

The 29-year-old can play either on the wing or up front.

And he is looking forward to finally working with Blues boss Paul Sturrock.

“He’s a top class manager and I think he’s been after me for about five years so I’m pleased to have signed for him,” said Tomlin.

“In my opinion Southend deserved to get promotion last season but hopefully I can score a few goals this year to get us over the line.”

Tomlin joins on a free transfer having left the Daggers.

Blues are now also hoping to complete the signing of Rotherham United centre-back Ryan Cresswell in the next couple of days.