Southend United Signs Ryan Battrum on Loan for Promotion Push

Southend United have moved to bolster their promotion push with the loan signing of West Ham United right-back Ryan Battrum on a month-long deal.

The 21-year-old, who is equally comfortable stepping into midfield, knows Roots Hall well enough already. He faced Southend in a pre-season friendly for West Ham back in July, and the atmosphere clearly left a mark.

"When I heard about Southend's interest I was buzzing," Battrum told the club's website. "I've played against them and watched them a lot. Getting crowds of 10,000 in the National League is amazing."

For a player trying to break through from a Premier League setup, it is a sharp, competitive stage to prove himself on. For Kieron Dyer, it is another piece in a squad that has started the National League campaign with intent.

Current Standing

Southend sit fifth in the early-season table, beaten just once in seven games. The foundations look solid. Dyer wants depth to keep it that way.

"It's always good to have two players for every position," the Southend boss said. "He gives Vontae Daley-Campbell great competition at right-back. He's got great energy, power, and strength, and he can also invert which we like our full-backs to do. He ticks all the boxes."

That last detail matters. Dyer’s full-backs are asked to step inside, join the build-up and stretch opponents in different ways. Battrum arrives not just as cover, but as a stylistic fit.

He will not have to wait long to be involved. The defender is available for Tuesday night's home game against Tamworth, where a big crowd and a team in form will give him an immediate taste of what he has signed up for.