Asante signs Shrimpers deal

Kyle Asante has put pen to paper on his first professional contract with Southend ahead of next season.

The 20-year-old striker, who has signed a one-year deal, made nine appearances for the Shrimpers last term having regained fitness, scoring once. Asante only returned to action for the club's reserves in February having torn his cruciate ligament while playing for the second string 12 months previously. After signing the contract, which includes the option of a further year, Asante told the club's official website: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have completed this deal. "It has been a long time coming as I was due to sign pro before my injury but thankfully I have finally managed to do so. I'd like to thank the club for sticking by me and making this happen as it was the only thing that kept me going. "Now I want to repay them by having a good season as I think the team could give it a real good go for promotion this year."