Southend United have been slowly rebuilding under Kevin Maher following years of ownership-related turmoil. Last season, the Shrimpers managed to finish in the playoff places for the first time since their relegation to the fifth tier, but their business this summer shows their desire to kick on and gain promotion this campaign after falling short in the playoff final.
Southend Strengthen Attacking Stocks
The club have today announced the signing of Andrew Dallas on a season-long loan from Barnsley via their official website, thereby further strengthening their attack.
Maher’s team lost Macauley Bonne and Danny Waldron earlier in the summer, but Dallas’ arrival, combined with the signing of Slavi Spasov earlier in the window, means that the duo will likely not be missed.
The Scotsman built his reputation in the fifth tier after spending time at the likes of Rangers, Greenock Morton and Cambridge United earlier in his career.
In January 2021, the Glasgow-born man joined National League strugglers Weymouth on loan, and he thrived for the Terras, scoring 12 times in 25 games.
This good form earned him a move to Solihull Moors in the summer, and Dallas kept his momentum going despite being in new surroundings. The 2021/22 season saw the striker, who can also play on the left wing, score 19 times in 43 league appearances.
He matched this goal tally during the following campaign, whilst playing for the Moors and Chesterfield.
Unfortunately, a high-profile move to Barnsley has not worked out. Dallas has played just five games for the Tykes and he has been on numerous unspectacular loan spells, most recently with Morecambe.
Speaking following the transfer, Maher said:
“We’re really pleased to get Andrew through the door. I don’t think it’s any secret he’s a player we’ve been looking at for a while. We know his qualities very well and we’re excited to have him join us and watch him contribute in the team.
“He knows the level which helps, and we’re looking forward to seeing how he can add to the quality that’s already in the squad.”
Writer’s View
This should be a really good addition for Southend. The Shrimpers have always been relatively good defensively, but comparatively poor going forward.
Dallas, though he may be slightly low on confidence at the moment, adds proven National League goalscoring pedigree, as well as good technical ability, to the Southend frontline. He should be able to combine well with Spasov, and Southend’s other strikers, to ensure that they are much more threatening going forward.
The Shrimpers have not made many additions this summer, but, like Dallas, they have all been high quality, which should help them in their push for promotion.
