Southend United have made a major transfer signing with the return of Jack Bridge. The 30-year-old winger has signed for the club after enjoying two loan spells with Southend from 2014 to 2016. During his time at the club, Bridge scored seven goals in 25 matches, originally on loan from Southend. After making 11 appearances for Southend in League One, Bridge moved on to Northampton Town in 2018 and then Carlisle a year later. He then made a return to Essex, signing with Concord Rangers in 2020 before quickly catching the eye of National League side Bromley, where he helped them reach the play-offs. After this, he completed a full-circle move back to Southend United in 2021, recording 213 appearances, winning the FA Trophy, and reaching the National League play-off final. Bridge revealed that he is excited to be back at the club, saying: “I’m really excited. I loved my time here, really enjoyed it, and I’m excited to be back. I’ve played at a few clubs now in a few different leagues and levels. Bringing that back to the club now will help us have a really good season.” Mark Cooper added that: “Bridge is a very exciting winger that is above the level. He can be a match-winner.” Head of Football John Still added: “He is what I call an old-fashioned winger, a quality signing that runs at people, wants to cross, and can score goals. It was a no-brainer for us.”