James Datey is a first-year centre-back.

Danny Heath: "James is a player that was recommended to us by Leyton Orient after he left there. From James' very first training session with us, he showed his potential and we quickly offered James a place to be a youth team player at Southend United. James is a player that defends with controlled aggression, and he regains the ball often with strong tackling and on the front foot to intercept the ball to then be able to attack by running with the ball into higher areas of the pitch."

James: "This is my first year as a Southend United player and I am extremely happy with the opportunity that has been handed to me by a good club. I am looking forward to winning the league and also growing as a player/person on and off the pitch. My previous clubs include Buckhurst Hill, Bishop's Stortford and Leyton Orient."