BREAKING NEWS........Blues Confirm Harding Loan Deal

Last updated : 08 August 2008 By Shrimpers24

Well it wasn't too much of a surprise after days of speculation, and Ron's prediction last night, but a welcome confirmation anyway. Fills the one spot we were all really concerned about, well done Tilly.

Hopefully if Dan fits in there's a chance that it will become more permanent, our league position come the new year being higher than it was in 2008 might have something to do with that decision.

All the signs are we've got ourselves a class act, especially if Preston were willing to keep him in the Championship, and along with his 6ft stature has added more inches to the back line. Now, can he take a free-kick?

Dan gave his first interview to Blues World: "Dropping down a division is a big decision but at the point in my career I need to play games and hopefully it will work well for both parties. The move came about in the last couple of days and I had a bit of time to think about it and I think it is going to be great. Other managers and people close to me have told me a lot of good things about Steve Tilson. I like to get up and down the flanks and get forwards so hopefully that will help me create a few goals.

Welcome to the club Dan and Good Luck.

This certainly makes the preview more interesting.

The Harding Files
Born December 23 1983 (25) in Gloucester

Harding is a former England U-21 international who was signed in the summer of 2006 from Leeds United FC. His former club, Brighton, were reluctant to let him go and his transfer fee was decided at a tribunal at a later date. The fee could rise up to £850,000 depending on appearances and success. Leaving his East Sussex school at 16 he joined the Brighton and Hove Albion Youth scheme. After a successful run in the reserves and the youth side he finally made the left back position at Brighton his own. After an impressive two seasons, and with England's Under-21 coach, and that former Blue who seems to turn up everywhere, Peter Taylor, as one of his admirers, big things were inevitable.

A Leeds fan himself, he cut short a holiday in Orlando to join the Elland Road outfit. At six foot he was one of the taller members of the squad yet found it hard holding down the left-back position. After one season, Harding moved to Ipswich Town in a part exchange deal for Ian Westlake.

Harding came 2nd in the Ipswich Town Supporter's Player of the Year Award 06/07.

After playing regularly at the start of the season he was forced out of the team by Sito and never got his place back. At the end of the season he was transfer listed.

And of August 7 Southend United have been told by Ipswich that they can take transfer listed Dan Harding on loan with a view to a permanent move.

Personal information
Full nameDaniel Harding
Date of birthDecember 23, 1983 (1983-12-23) (age 24)
Place of birth Gloucester, England
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position
Defender
Club information
Current clubSouthend United
Number23
Senior clubs
YearsClubApp (Gls)
2002-2005
2005-2006
2006-2008
Brighton
Leeds
Ipswich Town
67 0 (1)
20 0 (0)
72 0 (1)
2008- Southend United (Loan)