New deals – for Southend United’s Harry Cardwell and Ollie Kensdale (Image: Southend United)
Harry Cardwell and Ollie Kensdale have penned new deals at Southend United, keeping them at Roots Hall until the summer of 2026.
Both have played an integral part in the Shrimpers’ Vanarama National League campaign so far as they sit in 15th place but would be in the play-offs if they hadn’t received a ten-point deduction in September.
It is now nine players that have signed new deals with the Shrimpers after the transfer embargo was lifted in December. Several new additions have also been brought in, including Danny Waldron, Adam Crowther and James Morton.
Cardwell arrived in South East Essex in January 2022 following an impressive spell at Chorley and he has quickly asserted himself as a fan favourite. The 27-year-old began the season on fire having netted five goals in seven appearances before spending a period on the sidelines with a knee problem.
Likely to be a key influence in Southend’s play-off charge in the remaining months of the campaign, the ex-Grimsby Town striker returned to action in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Chesterfield.
Our top scorer is here to stay! 🧣 pic.twitter.com/K7S6NmDPGM
— Southend United FC (@SUFCRootsHall) February 1, 2024
Cardwell, speaking to the club’s website, is excited about the future of the club after a troubled few years: “I think the Club have shown tremendous ambition with the lads that have come in, the lads that have signed, and tying down the management staff as well. I’m really excited to see what we can achieve together.”
Kensdale, like Cardwell, was one of Kevin Maher’s first additions having joined Southend just over two years ago. Joining from fellow Essex outfit Concord Rangers, the ex-Concord Rangers centre-back has been a stalwart in their backline in the last few seasons having appeared on 28 occasions this term.
On his new deal, Kensdale said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I just want to focus on the next two-and-a-half years now – we’ve all got the same objective to get promoted and I’m really excited.”
The Shrimpers host Gateshead in the National League tomorrow.
