SOUTHEND United chief executive Tom Lawrence has wished Wes Fonguck well following his departure from Roots Hall.

Fonguck has joined fellow National League side Ebbsfleet United after leaving Roots Hall.

And Lawrence has thanked the 27-year-old for his service to the Shrimpers.

“Wes has been a loyal servant to the football club and stuck with us through thick and thin,” said Lawrence.

“It’s a shame to see him go but we wanted to repay his loyalty by respecting his wish to move on.

“We accordingly agreed to cancel his registration.

“We thank Wes for his service to us and we wish him the very best for the future.”

Fonguck scored five goals in 78 appearances with Blues during two seasons with the club.

But he is now looking forward to a fresh start with the Kent club.

“Ebbsfleet seemed really keen on me,” said Fonguck.

“I was waiting on a decision from Southend but the deadline was missed so I had to look for something else for myself.

“I couldn’t keep on waiting and it was sad.

“Being honest I probably would’ve done another year but you never know what’s going to happen next in football.

“I had to look after myself and couldn’t just wait.”

Fonguck has been with Ebbsfleet since the start of pre-season training.

And he is keen to help Danny Searle’s side build on their strong end to the previous campaign.

“The gaffer has made it clear he wants to push on from last season,” said Fonguck.

“When he came in last season they had a good record and he wants to go from strength to strength now.

“We’re excited and lets see where we can go.

“The interest they showed in me was very pleasing.

“I was happy to be wanted and there wasn’t much to think about.”

But Fonguck is leaving the Shrimpers with mostly fond memories.

“The players I love and I’ve been in touch with the majority of them,” said Fonguck.

“It was an interesting journey and there were a lot of things I wasn’t used to prior to coming to Southend.

“I feel like I’ve made a lot of friends for life.

“The fans are amazing too and I think they’re the best in the league.

“I’ll have some good memories from my time at Southend and also some times that I never want to have to remember again.”