New signings Pat Baldwin and Scott Vernon admitted the lure of first-team football was too good to resist in making the short switch from Colchester to joining Southend United.

Both players have signed on loan until the end of the season and will now go straight into the squad for tomorrow's game against Swindon Town in League One, with centre-half Baldwin hoping to play well for the team and win over the fans in the process.

"I'm only human and it is going to be weird playing for Southend having been at Colchester, but I'm just happy to be offered the chance to play games," Pat told Blues Player.

"It's a local club for me as well though, as my mum and dad live just around the corner.

"As long as you do well and show that you are fully committed then hopefully, the fans will take to Scott and I.

"I'm happy to be here playing games and to also help Southend up the table and see what happens.

"Swindon are doing very well this year and it's going to be tough as we have only arrived on the Friday, but we will do our best and hopefully, we can get a result."

Striker Vernon admitted that alongside the short distance in location, Southend's style of football made coming to Roots Hall the logical choice when it came to mulling over several offers in January.

He said. "I'm very happy to have signed for Southend and I felt that this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

"I'm just getting back to fitness now and it's a case of getting games and playing for the first team for the rest of the season.

"I had other offers, but I live in Colchester and Southend were the most local club and I also feel that the style of play here will suit me.

"I'm happy to get going now and looking forward to meeting the new lads here."