Southend United have this morning completed the loan signings of Colchester United defenders Matt Heath and John White.

The defensive pair have moved to Roots Hall on loan from Blues north Essex rivals initially for one month.

27-year-old Heath, a 6' 4" central defender, has made 22 appearances for Colchester during two spells with the U's.

The former Leicester and Coventry defender moved to the Weston Homes Community Stadium from Leeds United last season having previously enjoyed a loan spell there from the Whites in 2008.

Heath is joined in Southend by his U's teammate John White.

White, 23, can operate in both full-back berths and progressed through Colchester's youth set-up.

With 131 appearances for Colchester to his name, White has also enjoyed a loan spell with Stevenage Borough.

And it is back at Stevenage where the pair will make their Blues debuts with both Heath and White set to feature in tomorrow nights final pre-season friendly.

Both loans will run until 30th August with an option to extend further. The moves as always are subect to Football League approval.

southendunited.co.uk will have reaction from Matt and John on their moves to the other side of Essex online shortly.