Wood, 19, moves to the Roots Hall club for an undisclosed fee with immediate effect, and goes with the full blessing of the Kings Langley board and team management.

The versatile player signed for the club from Berkhamsted in February 2020, having only made his debut for them that same month, scoring as a sub aged just 17. He made his Kings first team debut as a sub against Rushall Olympic on February 22nd 2020 and played twice more as a starter before the season was ended due to the first covid-19 lockdown. His first goal came in a 2-2 draw at St Ives in September 2020.

Since then Wood, who has played as a winger, striker and even full-back for Kings, has established himself as a versatile regular at the club, having played 46 times for the club, scoring 7 goals.

Club director of football Darren Eliot said: "Jack has been a huge success story for the club, having played for our Under 18 team following the recommendation of Marc Fryer at Berkhamsted, before making himself an integral part of the first team squad.

"While we will all be really sad to see Jack leave, we are delighted that he is joining such a well-respected club and we have no doubt he will continue to shine. Ever since joining Kings Langley, Jack has been an asset to the club and we wish him the very best for the future.

"I would also like to thank Southend, and in particular CEO Tom Lawrence, for the way they conducted themselves and how respectful they have been to us during the process of the transfer."

Kings manager Chris Cummins wished Wood all the best at his new club. He said: "Jack came to us as a youth player and showed great potential in his first few sessions training with the first team.

"With our philosophies as a club that wants to develop and promote from within, we gave Jack his debut as a 17-year-old. Jack continued to improve and became a regular starter at a very young age.

"He has now been involved with the first team for nearly three years and like many young players will have highs and lows, however as a coach I believe in giving young players the chance to play even when things are not going well and to Jack's credit, he has overcome every obstacle."

All that is left is for everyone associated with the club to wish Jack all the best at Southend United, and we will be delighted when we see his name appear on the scoresheet at Roots Hall, as we know it will! All the best Jack!