SOUTHEND United have signed Bournemouth centre-back Tyler Cordner on loan for the rest of the season.

The defender spent the first of half of the season on loan at Scunthorpe United.

But the 22-year-old is now delighted to be teaming up with Blues. 

“I’m delighted to sign," said Cordner.

"I’ve had League experience already at Scunthorpe United and I want to come here and get some more games under my belt.

“It moved quite quickly.

"I wasn’t actually planning on coming back from Scunthorpe.

"I was supposed to be staying there for the season but Bournemouth recalled me.

"I’ve been back for three or four days now and I got a call from the loan manager on Sunday saying Southend are interested."

And Cordner will be alongside a number of familiar faces at Roots Hall, including Blues boss Mark Molesley who coached Bournemouth's under 23 side before taking charge of Southend in the summer. 

“Obviously I know the manager as well, so it was a no brainer for me and I’ve come straight up," said Cordner. 

"I know Kyle (Taylor) really well and have grown up with him through the system at Bournemouth.

“Shaun (Hobson) joined a bit later but I’ve played in partnership with him a number of times so we know each other’s games."

Cordner will go straight into the squad for Tuesday night's clash with Bradford City at Roots Hall and is determined to help the bottom of the table Shrimpers stay up.

“Southend is a massive club and really they shouldn’t be in this League," said Cordner.

"I think the main thing is we stay up and then hopefully next season they push on to get back to where they should be."

Cordner has also spent time on loan with Havant & Waterlooville and Ebbsfleet United.