The club would like to thank Freddy Eastwood for all his efforts during his two spells with Southend United

Southend United Football Club can confirm that club legend Freddy Eastwood will depart Roots Hall following the expiration of his contract this summer.





Eastwood, 30, first joined the club in 2004, initially on loan from Grays Athletic, and scored a debut hat-trick that set the tone for what would be stunning spell with the club.





The striker joined permanently and finished the 2004-05 season with 24 goals from 42, including one in the play-off final, as Blues won promotion to League 1.





He played a big part in helping the club make it back-to-back promotions, as Blues won the League 1 title, and enjoyed a season in the Championship.





In July 2007 he left the club to join Wolves, signing a four-year deal, and after a spell with Coventry City, he moved back to Roots Hall, again on loan in 2012.





In the summer of 2012, that deal was made permanent. This season he began the campaign in style, scoring four goals in four games through August and September, before a knee injury kept him on the sidelines.





He scored twice more, against Burton Albion away from home in October, and against Torquay United at Roots Hall, to finish his career with Blues fifth in the club’s all-time goalscoring charts with 77.





Everyone at the club would like to thank Freddy for his efforts during both spells with the club, and wish him the very best for the future.





We will have reaction to the news from Phil Brown, and Freddy Eastwood himself on the official website.