Talking to the official site the Southend manager said: "We are short of numbers defensively and bringing in two players who have played a number of games will bring in experience. We have had a number of trailists in that we have looked at, but they haven't quite come up to scratch. I will be looking for John to slot in on the left side. Matt is decent in the air and I felt we needed a bit of height in there."
Heath: "Every time I have played against Southend, they have been a tough team to play against'
Matt Heath, who will receive the number 5 shirt, is just thankful for the 'opportunity to play some football'.
He told the official site: "Being tall, I like to be dominant in the air and try and keep the defence organised. I'm sure most of the fans will just realise that John and I want to come in and do our best for Southend United. If there is anything like the fight that Southend have had in the previous seasons, then I'm sure we have a good chance of making a good start and doing well. The only player I know is Dougie Freedman when I was up at Leeds, but I'm sure there are a decent squad of lads here."
White: 'I've been at Colchester since I was a kid, and it will be strange playing for Southend'
John White meanwhile has been handed the number 3 shirt and the versitile player can fit in at either right or left back or even central midfield, though we certainly have enough of them!
John also spoke to the official site: "I may have to win the fans over, but fingers crossed I can help Southend out out and do my best for the club. The friendly at Stevenage is a great chance for me to meet the lads and get to know their playing style as quickly as I can. We (John & Matt) have been playing together for a little while now. We pretty know each others games inside out, so that is going to help us as part of a back four to gel. I'm looking to see what can come from this and if that's a permanent contract that's all good for me."
For more backround on the new signings, including their marks from the two games against the Farmers last season, go here:
www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=TMNW&id=455228
For more quotes from the manager and players go here:
www.southendunited.co.uk/page/Home/0,,10444,00.html