Southend United Sign Experienced Goalkeepers
Southend United have bolstered their goalkeeping department with the signings of Joe Duncan and Jack Sims. The duo brings valuable experience to the team, with Duncan joining on a season-long loan from Bristol City and Sims returning to Roots Hall after a successful stint in the academy.
What happened?
Duncan, a 20-year-old goalkeeper, has joined Southend United on a season-long loan from Bristol City. Sims, a local lad from Canvey, has returned to the club after a successful stint in the academy.
Why it matters for Southend
The signings of Duncan and Sims bring valuable experience to the team. Duncan has previously played for Tiverton Town and Farnborough, while Sims has been with Blackpool and has a scholarship to his name.
What comes next?
The duo is set to start the season as the number one choice between the sticks. Sims will now also be vying for selection after securing his return to Roots Hall.
Southend United have a good history of bringing through their own goalkeepers, with Collin Andeng Ndi joining Peterborough United this summer after a man-of-the-match display against Wealdstone in the FA Trophy final at Wembley in May. The Shrimpers brought 20-year-old Duncan in on a season-long loan from Bristol City. And the shot-stopper knows it is a big chance to progress his career.
"Bristol City are buzzing with me being here," said Duncan. "It's such a good opportunity and I've got to make sure I make the most of it. The main goal is to get promoted and I believe we can do that. The history of the club attracted me and the ambition they have too. I was really excited by what I got told when I was looking into signing and it's been good. All the lads are really welcoming and so is the gaffer so it's been really easy to settle in."
Duncan, who has previously spent time on loan with Tiverton Town and Farnborough, looks set to start the season as the number one choice between the sticks. But Sims will now also be vying for selection after securing his return to Roots Hall.
"I'm really happy to be here and I'm delighted to get it over the line," said Sims. "I was here as a kid in the academy and I grew up not too far away, so it feels like I know the club well. It does make it extra special, it feels like I'm coming home."
Recent form
Southend United's recent form has been inconsistent, with a win and two draws in their last five games. They are currently 1W-2D-2L (LDDLW, most recent first).
Next fixture
Southend United's next fixture is against Scunthorpe at home on August 15, 2026.
Last result: Southend 1-2 Cambridge United (2026-07-14). Recent form (last 5): 1W-2D-2L (LDDLW, most recent first). Next fixture: vs Scunthorpe (at home, 2026-08-15) (1st in the table).
