TOWN'S League One rivals Southend United have confirmed the signing of former County Ground favourite Simon Cox on a two-year deal, subject to a medical.

The Republic of Ireland international committed his future to the Shrimpers until at least the summer of 2018, having scored 91 goals in 255 club starts.

Cox, 29, was released from Sky Bet Championship side Reading in June.

The 30-times capped frontman featured for the Irish in Euro 2012 and has scored four international goals.

Cox scored 35 goals in 62 appearances for Town in the 2008-09 campaign and went on to play for West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest.

Southend boss Phil Brown said: "It's a fantastic signing, I can't thank the chairman enough for this deal, I'm very hopeful that someone of Simon's pedigree will replace Jack Payne's goals.

"I've been working hard & long to pull this signing off and I can't thank the chairman enough for pushing this through, it's a real coup for the club.''

Another former Town striker, Nile Ranger, has been trialling at Southend this summer.