Shrimpers swoop for trio

Southend have completed the signings of striker Liam Dickinson, defender Ryan Leonard and midfielder Jean-Paul Kalala.

The Shrimpers become Dickinson's second club of the close season, following an ill-fated week-long stay at Plymouth earlier in the summer, and he pens a one-year deal at Roots Hall, with the option of a second year. Paul Sturrock said of the 25-year-old: "He's a good size and he had a good goalscoring record in this division a few seasons ago with Stockport. We feel he has the attributes to be a success here." Right-back Leonard, 19, also pens a one-year deal with the option of a second after a successful pre-season trial following his release from Argyle. "He's young and hungry and he has had a very good pre-season so far. Right-back is probably the only place in the squad that we didn't have any competition or back-up for so it's a good signing for us," Sturrock added. Central midfielder Kalala, 29, has a signed a one-year deal at Roots Hall after a successful trial against Braintree and Ipswich. Sturrock told the club's official website: "Jean-Paul is a tenacious player and he can pack a punch in midfield. "We lack that a little bit and so I was keen to bring someone in who can play that role. "I think he will be an important player in this division as we have a couple of flair players in midfield but we need one or two that can do the dirty work."