FORMER Southend United winger Stephen McLaughlin has joined Mansfield Town.

The Irishman made 186 appearances for the Shrimpers during a five year spell at Roots Hall.

But he now has been snapped up by the Stags who are managed by former Blues coach Graham Coughlan.

And Coughlan is pleased to have been reunited with the 30-year-old. 

"Stephen gives us competition down the left and can play in several positions," Coughlan told the club's official website. 

“He arrives at One Call Stadium with bags of experience and a promotion from League Two in 2015.

“He has a terrific work rate and attitude, so will fit into our dressing room really well.”

McLaughlin has signed a short-term deal with Mansfield who line up alongside Blues in League Two this season.