JOSH Walker is pleased to have joined Southend United - six months after first becoming aware of the Shrimpers’ interest.

The speedy striker has signed a two year deal after arriving on an undisclosed fee from Burton Albion.

And the 26-year-old is happy to finally have got the move done.

“It feels good and it’s been a long time coming,” said Walker.

“I knew there was interest in January but unfortunately we couldn’t get it done.

“Now the embargo has been lifted it’s great to be here.”

Walker came through the ranks at Fulham and spent time on loan with Wealdstone before joining Barnet in the summer of 2018.

The forward netted 18 goals in 58 appearances prior to signing for Dagenham & Redbridge in July 2021.

Walker hit the back of the net 23 times in 60 games for Daggers before joining Burton Albion in February 2023.

He scored three times in 35 games for the Brewers before ending last season on loan with Gillingham where he scored once in 16 appearances.

But he is now looking to make a big impact with Blues.

“I like to play football, I don’t mind going direct but I like the ball on the floor,” said Walker, who is five foot nine inches tall.

“I like running in behind.

“I don’t mind coming to feet but I’m more of an off the shoulder player making runs in behind and scoring as many goals as possible.”

Walker will now battle with Harry Cardwell and Danny Waldron for a place in the starting line-up.

And he has already been impressed with his new team-mates.

“Without the points deduction we would have been in the play-offs last season,” said Walker.

“That shows how much of a strong group they are.

“I trained this morning and I saw the quality, and hopefully I can add to the quality that’s already here and do well.”

Walker will be keen to catch the eye of Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher.

And Maher is thrilled to have the striker on board.

“We all know Josh very well from his time at Dagenham and before with Barnet,” said Maher.

“He got a great move into League One that hasn’t quite worked out for whatever reason so we had the opportunity to bring him back down south.

“He’s a very good finisher and he knows the level ever so well.

“He’s got obvious qualities and I’m sure he’ll have no problem fitting in with everyone at the club.”