Southend sign Colclough, Backwell & Kamara

Ryan Colclough, who won promotion to League Two with Chesterfield in 2024, had been without a club since leaving AFC Fylde in January [Getty Images] Southend United have signed forward Ryan Colclough, who was handed a suspended prison sentence for assault earlier this month. Colclough, 31, was given a 28-month term - suspended for two years - after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm without intent at Derby Crown Court. He had been without a club since leaving AFC Fylde in January and previously worked with Southend boss Kieron Dyer at Chesterfield as the Spireites won promotion to League Two in 2023-24. The Shrimpers have also signed midfielder Tommy Backwell, 23, and 22-year-old winger Sahid Kamara following successful trials at Roots Hall. Colclough has signed a one-year deal with the option of a further year. Backwell has signed a one-year contract with the option of a further year after being released by Cheltenham at the end of last season, while Kamara has agreed a two-year deal with the option of a third year following his departure from Braintree Town.