BRANDON Goodship is overjoyed after becoming the first signing of Kevin Bond's Southend United tenure.

The 24-year-old forward has penned a two-year deal after scoring an impressive 77 goals in two years with non-league Weymouth.

And Goodship is relishing the challenge of League One football with Blues.

Goodship said: “I’m absolutely delighted. Ever since I heard of Southend’s interest a few weeks back I was obviously really keen to get it done and now I can’t wait to get started.

“The last two seasons have been really good for me and my confidence especially because going into every game I felt like I would score if I had the chance.

"Hopefully I have the same feeling playing for Southend.”

Goodship joins from Weymouth having won the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Golden Boot in both seasons with the club, scoring 38 and 39 goals respectively.

Along with lifting the title with the Terras last term, there were more personal accolades for Goodship including being named the club’s player of the season and a call-up to the England C squad.

And Goodship, who came through the ranks at Bournemouth, is grateful for the opportunity offered to him by Blues.

“Most people in non-league will tell you that they’re there to try and work their way up the ladder,” added Goodship.

“I’m lucky enough to have been handed that opportunity and hopefully I can take that and show there is a good pathway from non-league to the Football League.

“I dropped down the leagues to play week in, week out and I feel a much different player. I’m ready now to go and prove myself at this level.

“The competition for places in attack here is very high but that keeps you on top of your game. To be able to learn from them as well is only going to benefit me.”