July 2 2007

Tommy Black

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Tommy Black has signed for League One side Southend United.

Black was available on a free transfer after being told by Peter Taylor that he was surplus to requirements.

He has signed a one year deal with the Essex based club, and will be following in the same footsteps as his brother Michael, who played for the club back in 2001.

Black struggled to break into the first team at Palace last season, and also was unlucky to crack a rib during a loan spell at Bradford City.

Tommy began his career as a trainee at Arsenal before moving to Palace in 2000 for a £500,000 fee and has previously had loan spells at Carlisle United, Bristol City, Sheffield United and Gillingham.