Southend United Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated defender Cian Bolger for an undisclosed fee.

The defender has joined from Championship side Bolton Wanderers on a two-year deal with the option of a further year.





Bolger began his career with Leicester City before sealing a move to Bolton in 2013, having impressed during three loan spells at Bristol Rovers.





The 22-year-old was captain of the Bolton Development Squad and had loan spells at Colchester United and Blues during the previous campaign.





The defender featured in just one game for Blues, picking up an ankle injury in the 0-0 draw with York City and returning to his parent club.





Blues manager Phil Brown was delighted to sign the defender on a permanent deal ahead of the new season.





He said: “I can’t emphasise enough how much this deal means to me as the manager of this football club.





“For the chairman to spend an undisclosed fee on a player who first appeared on the market two weeks ago for loan is a real statement of intent.





“To get a player of Cian’s quality through the door is fantastic news, and with three arrivals on Monday, it really builds up the excitement ahead of the new season.”





Cian added: “I’m very pleased to have come back to Southend. My spell last time was very short, but I now have the opportunity to really settle down.





“I felt it was time for me to make the permanent move instead of going on loan. It was a big decision, but I’m sure it will prove to be the right one.”