Barnet caretaker manager Ian Hendon has wasted no time in bringing in new faces. The club lie fourth from bottom of the division, the bottom two go out of the League, and would be in greater trouble if it wasn't for the points deduction of Bournemouth and Luton.
Furlong, now 40, has joined on loan from Roots Hall and has played for a whole host of Football League clubs commanding more than 4million in fees as well as being another former Chelsea player on Southend's books.
He has a prolific record, scoring nearly 200 goals, but has only made four appearances for Southend without finding the net outside the reserves.
Paul's chances at the Blues have been restricted by the goalscoring touch and form of former Barnet man Dougie Freedman and now the added return of Barnard and Laurent have placed Furlong further down the striking queue.
However, he has been a good presence around the club especially working with the younger players. Barnet will be hoping he can improve their young striker John O'Flynn's already splendid start for them with eight goals in 16 games.
Speaking to www.southendunited.co.uk Blues boss Steve Tilson said: "Paul should be playing at this stage of his career and we can't offer him that at the moment. When we had a lack of numbers in attack Paul was injured so he missed out. Getting some games under his belt with Barnet will suit all concerned."
Black was released by the Blues in the summer after joining from Crystal Palace and has been training with the Bees all week.
Hendon spoke about both signings and thanked Tilly: "I am very grateful to Southend manager Steve Tilson for his friendly gesture in facilitating the move in my first hours in the job. I have seen a lot of Paul and he brings the experience and know-how to the side I want. I have seen Tommy play alongside Gary Hooper at Southend and they were two players I would have liked to have taken on board. We have a very young side and today's signings have been brought in because of their experience. I can tell Barnet fans that Tommy is grateful for the opportunity to join us and prove himself. I think this is a coup for the club to get a player like him."
A coup.....well, I hope Hendon gets him to work harder for Barnet than he ever did for us, especially towards the end, but the league fourth tier could be the right move for both of them.