Southend United have completed the permanent signing of wing-back Vontae Daley-Campbell on a one-year deal as they prepare for their 120th anniversary campaign. The Shrimpers also brought in teenage defender Rayan Oyebade on a season-long loan from West Ham United, with both moves strengthening a squad under new head coach Kieron Dyer.
Daley-Campbell, 25, arrives at Roots Hall following his release from Chesterfield, where he made 36 appearances across two seasons and previously played under Dyer during his time as first-team coach. Oyebade, a 19-year-old Greece Under-19s international, spent last season in West Ham’s academy, playing 17 times in Premier League 2 and helping the Hammers finish runners-up in the National League Cup. Dyer, appointed in June after Kevin Maher’s departure, is rebuilding for a promotion push from the National League.
Founded on 19 May 1906 at the Blue Boar Hotel, Southend United marks its milestone with a special anniversary fixture against Aveley. Last season delivered mixed fortunes: a 6th-place league finish ended in play-off defeat, but the club lifted its first ever trophy by beating Wealdstone on penalties in the FA Trophy final at Wembley. The Shrimpers also launched the Only Blue supporter movement, which asks fans to contribute £10 a month to a collective fund ring-fenced directly for the football department.
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