Southend United have completed the signing of defender Deon Woodman on a one-month loan deal from Championship side Queen’s Park Rangers, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.

The 21-year-old signed in time for Southend’s National League clash with Wealdstone on Tuesday evening, just weeks after departing the Stones after his loan stint there concluded.

Speaking to the club’s website following confirmation of the signing, Woodman stated…

“I’m really excited to join. I know the fans here are really up it for every game and I’m just really excited to show what I can do.”

What does this transfer mean for Southend United?

Due to a couple of injuries/suspensions, Southend United needed a defensive reinforcement on a short-term basis, but there is a possibility that this could be extended due to the loan deal expiring after the National League transfer window closes.

Woodman is 6ft5 and will add a significant defensive presence for Kevin Maher’s side, especially given the club still possesses an outside possibility of making the National League play-off places this season.

How will this move impact Woodman’s development?

The Queen’s Park Rangers defender has previous loan experience with both Dulwich Hamlet and Wealdstone, but Southend United will be the highest calibre of side that he’d be playing for on a consistent first-team level.

Kevin Maher has taken his side from the bottom of the division to competing with an outside chance of the play-offs this season and he deserves an immense sense of credit for his efforts and coaching, which will almost certainly rub off on Woodman and make him a better player.

Could this signing make a significant difference for Southend?

As previously mentioned, Woodman is 6ft5 and is likely to be a presence in both boxes for Southend United at a crucial stage of the season for Kevin Maher’s side.

Southend United have ten matches left and sit 11 points outside of the play-off places and all but two of them are against sides in the bottom half of the table.

Therefore, the addition of a strong defender could improve their likelihood of keeping clean sheets, which will guarantee Southend at least one point, which is why Woodman’s move could have major positives on the outcome of their season.