SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock has expressed his delight at signing Peter Gilbert and Barry Corr.

The duo have signed agreements to join Blues once the transfer embargo currently placed on the club is lifted.

And Sturrock, who has worked with both players before, is pleased to have been reunited with them at Roots Hall.

“Both players are winners who have tasted success already in their careers,” said Sturrock.

“Peter had it at Plymouth and Barry did at Swindon so it’s good we’ve been able to bring them in.

“They also know what Paul Sturrock is all about which is good when we’re looking to build a team in quite a short space of time.”

Gilbert, 26, is a left back who was with Northampton Town last season.

He has previously worked with Sturrock at both Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle.

Targetman Corr spent last term with Exeter City, having previously played for Sturrock at Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town.

The Irishman bagged six goals for the Grecians last year but Sturrock is confident of getting more out of the 25-year-old.

“I’m hopeful Barry is over his injury problems now,” explained Sturrock.

“He played 26 games last season and would have played another 10 if he wasn’t suspended. That’s something we want to curtail and there will be a much stricter system for the players’ discipline next season.

“Anyone who picks up a silly yellow card will receive a hefty fine.”

Both Gilbert and Corr will sign two year deals with Southend but Sturrock remained tight lipped on other transfer targets.

Midfielder Sofianne Zaaboub and striker Adebayo Akinfenwa have been linked with moves to Roots Hall.

But Sturrock would not comment on their futures.

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