Southend United Loan Ryan Battrum to Boost Promotion Push

Southend United have moved to strengthen 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. He faced Southend in pre-season back in July, and the atmosphere clearly left its 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 Kieron Dyer, it’s another piece in a fast-developing puzzle. Southend sit fifth in the early National League table, with just one defeat from seven, and the manager has been open about his desire to build depth across the pitch.

"It's always good to have two players for every position," Dyer 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."

The timing feels deliberate. Fixtures are starting to pile up, the tempo of the season is rising, and Southend want to stay in the slipstream of the early leaders rather than chase from distance.

Battrum will not have to wait long for his first opportunity. He is available for Tuesday night’s home game against Tamworth, with the Roots Hall crowd ready to judge for themselves whether Dyer’s latest addition really does tick every box.