DANNY Scopes may only have had a short spell with Southend United defender Ollie Kensdale.

But the former Concord Rangers boss still learnt plenty about the defender’s quality and character.

Scopes brought Kensdale to the Beach Boys in February 2021 following his release from Colchester United.

However, Scopes had been aware of the centre-back for quite some time.

“I originally came across Ollie when he was at Colchester United,” said Scopes, who now manages Aveley.

“He had a loan spell at Bath City.

“Him and Noah Chilvers went there at the same time and I remember thinking it was a bit strange them going there because they’re local boys.

“We played against him a couple of times and Ollie did really well.

“He went back to Colchester and we knew his agent so we were trying to get Ollie in on loan.

“We couldn’t make it work in terms of finances but then he got released by Colchester.”

And it was then Concord stepped up their interest in the defender.

“He was in contact with Adam Drew, our head of recruitment then, so he came in,” said Scopes.

“We weren’t sure what was going on and we didn’t have much of the budget left.

“Sammie McLeod got released at the same time so we said just come to training and we can talk from there.

“We didn’t know what was happening with the season because of Covid and we could only offer him expenses and petrol money.

“He said yes and that he just wanted to play. “

Kensdale initially signed for £50 a week with the Beach Boys and soon started to make a good impression.

“Eastbourne away was his first game,” said Scopes.

“They were top of the league and we won 2-1.

“He was excellent, we played three at the back and he was in the position he plays for Southend now.

“He was one of the best players on the pitch and we were really excited to have him with us but that week the season got stopped.”

However, Kensdale still opted to remain with Concord.

“We had the FA Trophy final still to play so we were still training,” said Scopes.

“Ollie was part of the training and we played Wycombe behind closed doors.

“He had a great game and they wanted to sign him but he wasn’t too keen.”

Kensdale stayed with Concord to experience more first team football.

But he did not feature in the FA Trophy final against Harrogate Two at Wembley.

“He missed out on the final because we could only take a certain number of new players,” said Scopes.

“He came with us though and we got him a shirt done too.”

Concord were beaten 1-0 in the final and the clash also proved to be Scopes’ last game in charge of the club.

“It was a short stay together with Ollie and I wouldn’t say I helped him at all or developed but we gave him something to focus on after coming out from Colchester during the Covid period.

“I left Concord after the Wembley game but Ollie stayed for Chris (Search).

“He knew Ollie and he played that season before going to Southend.”

Kensdale will make his 100th appearance for the Shrimpers if he features against Aldershot at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And Scopes has stayed in touch with the defender.

“I still talk to him because he’s good friends with Jayden Randell who we’ve got at Aveley now,” said Scopes.

“Ollie comes to watch so we see him and he always asks how you’re getting on.

“It’s always about what you’re doing rather than focusing on himself but he’s story has been really good.

“There’s probably more to come too.