Eastleigh's Southend-bound winger Damian Scannell has thanked the club and manager Ian Baird for helping him finally achieve his dream of breaking into professional football.

The 22-year-old received an early Christmas present last week when he agreed a two-and-a-half year deal at League One promotion-chasers Southend.

That will be finalised when the transfer window opens on January 1, after the Essex club activated a £5,000 clause in his Eastleigh contract.

Speaking after Eastleigh's 1-0 Blue Square South loss at Havant, Scannell said: "I am ecstatic about the move to Southend and I can't wait.

"I love playing for Eastleigh, they've been perfect, but I want to better myself."

Full interview in today's Daily Echo.