JEMAL Johnson is excited to have finally signed for Southend United, six months after Blues first expressed an interest in the American winger.

Johnson, who could have joined Blues during the January transfer window, has put pen to paper on a year-long deal to become part of Paul Sturrock’s plans at Roots Hall.

And he is determined to secure more success in League Two, having previously won the title with MK Dons back in 2008.

“It was a successful time for me at this level before and hopefully it can be again,” said Johnson, 26.

“With MK Dons we won League Two and also the JPT Trophy so I will take that experience into this season and it would be great to do something similar with Southend.”

But, if things had worked out differently, Johnson could have been with Blues last season.

However, he eventually opted to join Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Sofia and helped the club qualify for the Europa League.

“I did almost come here in January as Southend were one of the teams who wanted to take me on but there were a lot of people speaking to me at the time and they helped me make a different decision,” said Johnson. “The people were great out in Bulgaria but on the football side of things there is a lot going on out there financially.

“We qualified for Europe which was a great achievement for myself as I scored the goal that put us through. It means I have happy memories from my time there but I’m excited to be back in England with Southend now.”

Johnson, who was born in New Jersey, began his career with Blackburn Rovers before spending time on loan with both Preston North End and Darlington.

After that he was snapped up by Wolverhampton Wanderers before again being sent out on loan, this time to Leeds United.

Spells at MK Dons, Stockport County and Port Vale followed, along with his short spell in Bulgaria before now agreeing to team up with Blues.

“Southend is an exciting club to be at,” said Johnson. “I have a manager here who has said a lot of good things to me and is very positive above this season, so I wanted to be a part of it.”

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO