Southend United have moved to add more experience to their side ahead of tomorrows match with Swindon Town.

The Blues have signed Colchester United pair Pat Baldwin and Scott Vernon on loan until the end of the season.

And the duo are expected to go straight into the starting line-up against the Robins on Saturday.

Centre-back Baldwin, 27, has spent seven and a half years with Colchester wracking up 223 appearances.

The former Chelsea trainee also spent two months on loan at Bristol Rovers this season - making 6 appearances - with the Pirates keen to have secured his services for longer.

Meanwhile, his U's team-mate Vernon - a striker - has turned out 63 times and scored 13 goals for the Blues Essex rivals.

The 26-year-old has 64 career goals to his name following spells at Oldham, Blackpool, Northampton and Gillingham.

Due to the terms of the loan the pair will be unable to play against Colchester United next month at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

southendunited.co.uk will have Pat and Scott's reaction to their moves online shortly.