Southend United have announced the signing of striker Nile Ranger on a season-long deal, with the option of a further year.

The 25-year-old, who began his career at Newcastle United, was offered a contract after a successful trial period with the League One side.

Speaking to Southend's official website today, boss Phil Brown said: "There's two or three reasons why we've chosen to extend Nile's deal. First and foremost there is a footballer in there which we identified at the start and that's the reason he came through the door on trial.

"Secondly we have a contract that safeguards us as a football club, but also safeguards Nile if he keeps his nose clean and performs well on the pitch. But the bottom line is, he's come in as an option up front which is totally different from what we've got at this moment in time in terms of playing style.

"Nile is a big number nine for me - he's six foot three inches tall and is a big unit of a lad who can control the ball and play the kind of football that only some people can dream about. So if we can get that out of him next season, then we've certainly got a strike force to be reckoned with."

Ranger has also spent time with Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Swindon Town and Blackpool, although his career has been blighted by problems off the field.