RICKY Holmes insists he would jump at the chance to join Southend United.

The 33-year-old winger is free to speak to other clubs as Northampton Town are currently unable to offer him extended terms.

And Holmes, who grew up supporting the Shrimpers, revealed a move to Roots Hall would be his ideal choice.

“I’ve given my agent a list of clubs and Southend was definitely at the top of the tree,” said Holmes.

“Everyone knows I’m a boyhood Southend fan and I used to sell programmes there as kid.

“It’s the club I check the results for first every week and it’s just a shame they’re not doing as well as they can.

“But if they gave me a call then I’d definitely be very, very keen to come down and sign and try to help the club the best I can.”

The Shrimpers are currently bottom of the League Two table, four points from safety.

But Holmes believes Mark Molesley’s side can definitely stay up.

“I speak to a few of the lads there and they’re well behind the manager,” said Holmes.

“The players they’ve got in they’ve got enough to get out of trouble too.

“I’ve just re-bought in Billericay as well so everything is in place for me to sign for the club.

“It’s just whether we can get a deal down or if the manager wants to go down that route.

“But with the experience I’ve gained down the years I could be a big asset to the club.”

Holmes, who was in the Shrimpers youth set up as a youngster, also feels ready to kick on after working his way back to full fitness while with Northampton.

“I had a horrendous couple of years at Sheffield (United) with a back injury and the sports scientist at Northampton was still there from when I was there before,” said Holmes.

“He was the one who got me properly fit before my career started to escalate so I thought I’d give it one more shot and he managed to get me fit again.

“I signed a short term contract for two months and that expired on Saturday.

“It’s done the job I wanted it to and it’s got me fit.

“I think I played 13 odd games and I was playing three in a week so I know I have no issues.

“I’ve trained every day so it’s served a purpose.”

And Northampton would ideally like Holmes to stay.

“They’re still looking at offering me a contract but they just can’t do it at the minute because they need to get players out so I’m free to speak to other clubs and see what’s out there,” said Holmes.

“I’m completely ready to go for whoever wants to give me a deal.

“I believe I’m only going to get better because the more I play the stronger I’ll get.

“But I’ve got my agent to tout around and see what’s out there.”