Sutch leaves Canaries

Sutch, who spent 16 years at Norwich, has had his contract with the Division One club terminated by mutual consent.

The 31-year-old is now poised to link-up with former Norwich team-mate and Southend boss Rob Newman at Roots Hall.

Sutch admitted he was sad to leave the club, but that he needed to go for first-team football.

"I have been associated with the club since I was 12 and never even thought about moving," Sutch told the club's official website.

"I've loved being with Norwich and I've got some fantastic memories of my time here, such as the games in Europe.

"But all good things come to an end. I wasn't getting first team football here and didn't feel I had much of a chance of getting into the first team as things stand.

"I'm looking forward to linking up with Rob Newman again at Southend and getting some games under my belt.

"I still feel I've got lots of football to play and this is a positive step for me at this stage of my career."

Norwich boss Nigel Worthington paid tribute to Sutch, but admitted he could not guarantee him regular action.

"Daryl simply hasn't been getting first-team football here and this is the best thing for him and for the club," said Sutch.

"He's still relatively young and this is a chance for him to play some competitive football again. He knows the manager at Southend and I'm sure he'll do a great job for them.

"He's always been a model professional and a likeable and popular member of the squad."