Ollie Kensdale is the latest Shrimper to sign a new deal at the club, until June 2026, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
The 23-year-old centre-back has committed his near future to the club, by signing a new 2½-year deal, to keep him at the club until the end of the 25/26 season.
Kensdale has been another one of Southend’s standout players this season, being a crucial part of the Shrimpers’ back line.
He’s featured in one of the Blues’ matches this season, and almost every game last year too. In his time at the club, he’s managed to play 88 games, scoring once in the process.
Kensdale’s contributions have helped Southend to a comfortable midtable place as it stands, with the joint-best defence in the whole National League, conceding just 31 goals, as well as the least goals conceded at home, standing at just 11.
Ollie started his career at Southend’s biggest rivals, Colchester United, but only made three appearances in his two years at the club, going out on loan three times to Maldon & Tiptree in 2018, Bath City in 2019 and Braintree in 2020 before leaving on a free transfer to fellow Essex side Concord Rangers in February 2021.
It didn’t take him long to impress at Concord before Southend snapped him up for free in December 2021, playing 15 games to conclude Southend’s midtable season in their first year in non-league.
Last season he played almost every match, 45 games for the Shrimpers, scoring his first Southend goal too, and as previously mentioned, he’s featured in every game so far this season, all 28.
Kendall turned down the interest of many EFL clubs to continue his journey with the Blues, much like many other players in that Southend squad…
Ollie’s up there with some of the most minutes played this season, standing at 2827. The 23-year-old has attempted 150 aerial duels, again, one of the most in the division, with a 60% success rate, and around five per 90. He’s also blocked 15 shots too, top 20 in the league.
Writer’s View:
I rate Kendale, still quite young with a very bright future ahead of him, an EFL player in the future for sure.
It’s brilliant by Southend to retain him, and all the other fantastic players they’ve managed to renew, unreal work from them, real contenders next season for sure. Hopefully, he continues to impress for the Blues!