New signing Pat Baldwin was delighted to be back at Roots Hall again after completing a free transfer move from Colchester United today.

The central defender put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season after Colchester agreed to allow the former Chelsea trainee to leave the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

And Baldwin admitted he is excited to be back at the Blues following his previous loan spell.

"As soon as it was a possibility to come to Southend it felt completely right and I am ready to get cracking," Baldwin told Blues Player.

"Ideally I want to play as high as I can but I have been here before and I really enjoyed my time.

"With the team flying I think this will get that enthusiasm and fire back into my belly again."

Baldwin, 29, spent four months on loan at Southend United in the clubs ill-fated relegation season from League One two-years ago.

The centre-back made 18 appearances during that spell, and even captained the side, but despite his excellent performances he was unable to prevent Blues from dropping down a division.

"It was a difficult period for everyone last time and it affected people on the pitch," he said.

"It was very unfortunate that the club got relegated but on a personal level I really enjoyed it and it was sad to see it end the way it did.

"I am just thankful now though that I have had another chance to comeback."

Despite his Colchester links Baldwin was able to win over the Roots Hall crowd with a number of solid displays.

And he is hoping to form a steady partnership with former U's teammate Chris Barker in the Southend defence.

"Whatever team I play for I always give 100 per cent so I would like to think I won people over," admitted Baldwin who played 242 times for Southend's Essex rivals.

"But it is down to me to play well again and get to the sort of level I know I can perform at.

"I hope that I get to play with Chris again he is a fantastic footballer and pro and hopefully I can get the nod from the manager."

And after nine years at Colchester United Baldwin admitted that he felt it was the right time to leave the club.

"I was ready to leave Colchester," he admitted.

"I got it in my head that I was ready to go and it is a bit disappointing as I had a testimonial coming up.

"I have given that up to try and get games elsewhere but that is how it has worked out and I am just thankful I have this chance to try and progress my career."