ROYSTON Town boss Chris Watters is pleased to see Adam Crowther finally sign for Southend United – two years after thinking it might first happen.

The 23-year-old centre-back worked with Watters at the start of his senior career.

And it was not long before the defender's fine form attracted interest from the Shrimpers.

"I joked with him the other day actually because we nearly had it on the cards for him a couple of years ago," said Watters.

"I told the club (Southend) to have a look at him and I think they just missed out because he'd already signed for King’s Lynn.

"I sent him a screenshot of the conversation we had about it in 2022 when Southend were interested in bringing him in but he couldn’t do it.

"It's funny the way things work out and I'm really pleased for him."

Crowther joins the Shrimpers from Kings Lynn's Town having continually caught the eye lining up in National League North this season.

But it took him time to develop his game.

"When he first came into us at Royston he was 17 or 18," said Watters.

"He was a bit like Bambi because he was very tall for his age but he hadn’t grown into his body at that stage so there was a gangly element to him.

"There was no expectation on him at that point but he grew under the guidance of watching Adam Murray and Daniel Brathwaite.

"He was with us for a couple of seasons before moving on and you could see there was a lot of potential there.

"It was just about developing that because so many don’t do it.

"But he came through under the old manager Steve Castle who knew his family and we’ve still got his younger brother in our 23s as well."

Crowther moved on from Royston to join Cheshunt in 2020.

And he learnt some valuable lessons while at Garden Walk.

"He had a wake up call with us one pre-season," recalled Watters.

"He came back in and he hadn’t taken care of himself.

"I don’t think he knew what to expect from pre-season at that point and it almost cost him his place with us.

"But in fairness to him, he knuckled down and got fit.

"He went away and next time I saw him it was like blimey, where did you grow from.

"He was a man and dominating games of football."

Those traits have now led to Crowther joining the Shrimpers.

And Watters has no doubts about the defender's capabilities.

"He’s a really good lad and a really good character," said Watters.

"He’s got a great temperament and the fans have taken to him wherever he goes.

"He’s a nice kid and it’s nice to see him get his flowers."

Crowther will be starting to settle into his new surroundings.

But there will be one familiar face after he played alongside current Shrimpers wing-back Gus Scott-Morriss during his time with Royston.

“He played in the same team as Gus,” said Watters.

“Gus has always been phenomenal.

“The only thing that might have ever held him back was his ability to refocus after a mistake but he’s always been throwing balls in the box and been dominant in the air.

“I would imagine he’s fairly close to a move to the Football League if he carries on how he’s doing.”

And Watters remains proud to see the club’s former players doing well.

“It’s lovely,” said Watters.

“We had Will Norriss with us as well who has kicked on to have a really good career with Cambridge United and Wolves and we pride ourselves on being a platform for lads to go and play higher up.

“We’ve obviously got our own aspirations but it is nice when you see boys doing well.

“We say once a Crow always a Crow and we mean it.

“Both of the lads Southend have got are really highly thought of here and it will be nice to see them walk out together at Southend.

“But it will be quite lively too!”