Shrimpers midfielder Luke Guttridge has completed a shock move back to League One Leyton Orient.

The 24-year-old recently returned to Southend United after spending two months on loan with O's and spoke of his determination to force his way back into the Shrimpers starting line-up.

But after making just four more appearances for Blues, Guttridge has now joined Orient for a second time for an undisclosed fee which will rise if Martin Ling's men avoid relegation.

Yet his agent Richard Cody insisted it was Southend and not Guttridge who had had a change of heart.

"Southend changed their minds and decided that they would let Luke go," said Cody.

"It's disappointing but he got left out after playing well at Cardiff and helping the team get their only away league win of the season so far.

"That wasn't really fair, but now he's just looking forward to playing first team football again.

"He helped get Orient out of the relegation zone when he was there before and he will be look to keep them up."

Guttridge leaves after making 72 appearances for the Shrimpers and scoring five goals.