January 31 2018

Freddie Ladapo

Crystal Palace striker FREDDIE LADAPO has signed for Southend United for an undisclosed fee.

LADAPO was out of contract in the summer and joins the League One club on a six-month deal with the option of extending it for an extra year.

The 24-year-old arrived from non-league side Margate in March 2016 after impressing Eagles boss Alan Pardew on trial.

He only made two appearances for Palace and spent time on loan at Oldham Athletic and Shrewsbury Town.

The Romford-born player now makes a return to Essex, having started his senior playing career at East Thurrock and Colchester United.

"I’m back at a club where I started off as a kid and I want to do really well and make my mark," said LADAPO.

"I was at Oldham for the first part of last season and then Shrewsbury in the second half and I enjoyed my time with both clubs, but now I want to do well at Southend too.

"I’m hoping to get into the team on Saturday because it’s a huge game and I just want to hit the ground running. If I’m involved in the game this weekend then I hope it’s a good debut for me."