SOUTHEND United have signed Chorley striker Harry Cardwell for an undisclosed free.

The 25-year-old has agreed a two and a half year deal with the Shrimpers.

And Cardwell, who attracted interest from Chesterfield earlier this season, is delighted to have joined.

“This is a massive club and I’m really looking forward to getting started, training with the lads and then representing the club on the pitch,” he said.

“I’m over the moon to get it over the line.”

Cardwell, who is a former Scotland under 21 international, started his career with Hull City before joining Reading at the age of 16.

After loan spells with Woking and Braintree, Cardwell joined Grimsby in 2017 before joining Chorley three years later.

The striker lined up for Stockport County on loan last season, scoring five goals in 19 games and has hit the back of the net seven times for Chorley in National League North this term.

And it was speaking to Blues boss Kevin Maher which persuaded Cardwell to come to Roots Hall.

“The manager was great in the conversations we had leading up to getting everything agreed,” said the striker.

“He spoke really well about the club and his aspirations, how he saw me fitting in, the way he wants to play and getting the club moving forward again, so that really convinced me.

“I’m delighted to be on board.”

Cardwell is in line to make his Shrimpers debut against King’s Lynn tomorrow night.

And he is keen boost Blues in the final third.

“I’m predominantly an old-fashioned number nine, someone who gets in behind teams and gets in the box, can link up the play and bring others into the game,” said Cardwell.

“Hopefully I can add a few goals to that too.

“Any centre forward wants their name on the score-sheet, that’s the predominant thing that strikers are judged on.

“That’s something I’m hungry to do and I’m fully aware of.”