SOUTHEND United new boy Marc-Antoine Fortune is delighted to have finally teamed up with Phil Brown – six years after he first came close to working with the Shrimpers boss.

Fortune, who had been on trial with Blues, has signed a deal until January at Roots Hall.

And he is looking forward to working with Brown, who he almost worked with when he was at Hull City back in 2010.

“I am happy to be a Southend player and to be working with the manager who I very nearly joined six years ago,” said Fortune.

“It was just after I had been on loan at West Brom and he was at Hull City.

“It came close to happening but I went to Celtic in the end.

“But as soon as the manager called my agent and asked if I wanted to come to Southend I said yes straight away because I know he is a good manager who has been in the Premier League.”

Fortune impressed the Shrimpers boss in two under-21 games while on trial.

And he hopes to be able to add something different to the squad.

“I have experience which helps and I’m a different type of striker so hopefully I can help Southend move up the table,” said Fortune.

“Everyone aims to be the complete footballer and I’m no different.

“I’m still as hungry as I was right at the start of my career and I want to help Southend establish themselves in this league before hopefully pushing on.

“I’m happy to be here and I’m looking forward to the games getting started,” the forward added.

Fortune will go straight into the Shrimpers’ squad for tomorrow’s League One clash with Peterborough United at Roots Hall.

Blues - who are currently 19th in the table - will be looking to build on Tuesday night’s 2-1 win against Oxford United.

And Fortune is keen to be involved.

“I will be working hard and doing all I can in training to try and get into the squad for Saturday,” said the 35-year-old.

“Everything has been sorted so I’m free to play and after having to wait a while for my season to start I hope to play a part.

“I’m ready for whenever a chance comes my way.”

Fortune - who scored four goals in 14 starts for Coventry last season - last lined up for a league game in April.

But he insists fitness will not be a problem.

“I’ve been training really hard, I’ve had a few matches and I feel good, so my fitness is fine,” said the Frenchman.

“The manager must think the same as well otherwise he wouldn’t have signed me.

“I’m pleased to be given this chance and Southend seems a really nice place to live as well with the seafront.

“I’m looking forward to seeing more of the area and I’m still really enjoying my football, so I’m happy to be here.”