BEARD IS BACK AT SOUTHEND

Beard initially joined The Shrimpers in a loan deal in 1997, but the move was made permanent by former Shrimpers boss Alvin Martin in the summer of 1998.

He went on to make over 70 appearances as either a full-back or defensive midfielder, before leaving Roots Hall for Kings Meadow on a free transfer in July 2000.

However, he was forced to leave The K's when the club plunged into administration last week and has been pencilled in to play in Southend's friendly with Ware Town on Wednesday.

"He's a good player to become available on a free transfer, we'll just see what's what," Newman said.

Beard will line up alongside fellow trialists Roscoe D'Sane, who was on trial at Plymouth in pre-season, and Marek Szmid, who will also be hoping to impress Newman.