New Southend United striker Matt Paterson believes the time was right for him to leave Southampton in pursuit of first-team football.

The striker signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the Blues after arriving on a free transfer, having acknowledged that manager Steve Tilson played a big part in selling the club to him.

"I'm delighted to sign for Southend," Matt told Blues Player.

"I spoke to Tilly yesterday and he sold the club to me.

"He told me I would get first team football here, which is a big factor for me at my age, so hopefully I can push on from here.

"First team football is vital for me and my career and my development and that is what I have been offered here.

"I made a few appearances at Southampton, but I didn't feel it was enough for my development, so coming to Southend is a great opportunity for me.

"It seems like a great team bonding here and I'm looking forward to getting out there and working with them."

Paterson admits that he cannot wait to make his debut for the club in front of the Southend fans and is now looking to be involved in Saturday's League One encounter against Wycombe Wanderers.

But while the 20-year-old admits that leaving Southampton was a big decision to make, he is now looking to quickly find his feet at Southend and score the goals to move the team up the table.

He said: "I can't wait to make my home debut for the club and the chance to show the fans what I can do.

"It was a massive decision to leave Southampton, as it is a club I have been at since I was a nipper and did my scholarship at, but I thought the time was right to leave.

"First team football is important to me and Southend seems a good club for me to come to.

"I like to win headers, have the ball played to my feet and I'm a hard worker who likes to run the channels.

"My aim between now and the end of the season is to score as many goals as I can for the team and help Southend up the table."