CHARLTON striker James Walker has completed a £200,000 move to League 1 promotion hopefuls Southend after signing a two-and-a-half year deal.

Walker, 20, had spent the last three months on loan with Yeovil.

Released at the end of Alan Curbishley's managerial era at The Valley having failed to break into the first team, Walker was given a second chance by Iain Dowie and finished last season with the club's Young Player of the Year award.

In addition to Yeovil, he was also loaned to Notts County, Leyton Orient, Bristol Rovers and Hartlepool.

He said: "I am at an age where I need to be playing regularly. I live in Leyton so Southend is nice and close. I'm really excited about the move."