Weston-super-Mare AFC have announced Southend United have signed James Morton.

The 24-year-old central midfielder joins the Shrimpes on a two and half year deal, becoming their first signing since the lifting of the transfer embargo. 

Morton joined the Seagulls in the summer, after his release by Bristol City and scored three goals and assisted a further three in his 26 games.

Morton is the latest player to have gone on and play professionally after pulling on the Seagulls shirt, joining an extensive list that includes the likes of Ollie Watkins, Joel Randall, Aden Baldwin, Brad Ash, Rollin Menayese, Ryan Jones and James Waite.

"Southend have got themselves a terrific player, I knew we would lose him if we got him enjoying his football again so we have been a victim of our own success here but credit to Southend, they have been brilliant to deal with and our agreement suits all parties," manager Scott Bartlett told the club's website.

“They have done their homework, John Still and Kevin Maher have a brilliant scouting network and have signed a player that can go levels higher.

“I don’t think anyone can rival us for giving players a platform to perform and credit to the board, we are always able to reinvest in the squad so we too can continue to move forwards.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, I wish James and his family all the very best and will follow his career with interest”.

Morton joined the Robins in 2013 and spent 10 years with them whilst having three separate loan spells with Bath City during that time, playing in 97 for the Romans and scoring three goals.

Morton also played for three different clubs in the Football League including Forest Green Rovers, Grimsby Town and Gillingham, making 20 appearances across League One (1) and League Two (19) before his release by the Championship side in the summer paving his move to Weston.

"My time at Weston has been a really good time for me," Morton told Weston's website.

“I have enjoyed getting lots of minutes and being in an environment that has allowed me to play the way that I love.

“From the start, the staff and players have been very good to me and even those around the club on match days. It’s been a joy to play alongside the lads and it can be a really successful season.

“I’d like to thank everyone associated to the club and wish them all the best”.