EXPERIENCED striker Dougie Freedman has joined Southend United on a free transfer.

The forward, who met with Blues chairman Ron Martin over the weekend, has completed his switch to the Shrimpers.

Freedman has been with Crystal Palace since 2000 but was recently told by Eagles boss Neil Warnock he had no future at Selhurst Park.

That and, his friendship with Southend’s reserve team coach Dean Austin, led to Freedman expressing an interest in coming to Roots Hall.

Blues have offered Freedman a two year deal but he cannot figure against Leyton Orient in Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash at Roots Hall.

But fellow new boy midfielder Jean-Francois Christophe is available after finally sealing his month long loan switch from Portsmouth.

The 21-year-old had been on trial with Southend for the past fortnight and is delighted to have finally signed up.

“I am happy to find a club and play some football,” said the Frenchman who has previously been on loan with both Yeovil and Bournemouth.

“I think Southend is a good team to enjoy playing at and to show what I can do on the pitch.

“Last season was my first in England and I learnt a lot about the game.”

"My manager at Portsmouth says he sees me as a holding midfielder and that this is the best way for me to develop.”

There have also two departures from the Shrimpers with transfer listed striker Matt Harrold joining Wycombe Wanderers.

Harrold signed for Southend from Yeovil Town in August 2006 but scored just six goals in 59 appearances and become a target for the boo-boys in the stands.

The 24-year-old, who has now teamed up with former Blues boss Peter Taylor at the Chairboys, was joined on his way out of Roots Hall by teenager midfielder Peggy Lokando who has joined League Two Dagenham and Redbridge on a month long loan.