Southend United Signs Ryan Battrum on Loan for Promotion Push

Southend United have moved to strengthen their promotion push with the loan signing of West Ham United right-back Ryan Battrum on a month-long deal.

The 21-year-old, who can also slot into midfield, is no stranger to Roots Hall. He faced Southend in pre-season for West Ham back in July, a run-out that clearly left its mark.

"When I heard about Southend's interest I was buzzing," Battrum told the club’s website. "I've played against them and watched them a lot. Getting crowds of 10,000 in the National League is amazing."

For a player trying to break through from a Premier League setup, the move offers real minutes in a demanding environment. For Southend, it adds fresh legs and a different profile on the right side.

Kieron Dyer’s side have started sharply, sitting fifth in the early National League table and beaten just once in seven games. The platform is there. Now comes the battle to sustain it.

"It's always good to have two players for every position," Dyer said. "He gives Vontae Daley-Campbell great competition at right-back. He's got great energy, power, and strength, and he can also invert which we like our full-backs to do. He ticks all the boxes."

That last point matters. Dyer wants his full-backs to step inside, to help build play and compress the pitch. Battrum arrives as a fit for that system, not just a body to cover a gap.

He will not have to wait long to make an impact. The West Ham loanee is available for Tuesday night’s home clash with Tamworth, and with Southend’s momentum building, his first touch in a Shrimpers shirt could come with the club already looking upwards.