Franck Moussa will miss Southend United's next three matches after the club's appeal against the red card he received against Brighton on Friday night was unsuccessful. Moussa was sent off for a challenge on Seagulls midfielder Adam Virgo during the 2-0 defeat at Roots Hall. And it has now been confirmed that Moussa's suspension will stand, much to the frustration of manager Steve Tilson. "We're obviously very disappointed as we felt we had a good case," he said.
Southend Echo

Blues boss Steve Tilson is close to completing transfers for two French players - midfielder Jean-François Christophe and striker Francis Laurent. Laurent is set to join the Shrimpers until the end of the season, while Christophe, who is currently with Portsmouth, should sign on loan for a month. "We hope to get them both signed up later on today," said Tilson. "Francis looked in the reserve game at Fulham in the week so we won't to take more of a look at him. And Jean-Francois is a sitter in the midfield so hopefully they can both do well for us."
Southend Echo

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BARRETT'S BANTER: Two more new faces have been added to the squad in the last week with Lee Sawyer and Hal Robson-Kanu coming in on loan. Of course we always try and welcome players to the club but Lee did get an awful lot of stick the first time we met him as he was wearing an England tracksuit. He could have got it from playing internationally at youth level but we think he probably bought if from JJB and the lads hammered him for it. We still have a fine system in place among the players and the boys were trying to make him pay up for wearing this tracksuit!
Southend Echo

James Walker is ready to return for Southend United at Walsall on Saturday. The 20-year-old has not featured since the opening day triumph over Peterborough United after suffering an injury to his right thigh. But he has now resumed full training and will be in the squad for the trip to Bescot Stadium this weekend. "I'm fit now," confirmed Walker. "I'll train for the rest of the week and will travel with the boys to Walsall."
Southend Echo