NEW Southend United boss Mark Molesley believes defender Shaun Hobson is “ready for the rigours of first-team football” after signing him from Cherries.

Molesley and Hobson have worked closely together in recent years, both in Cherries under-21s and also during the 22-year-old’s loan spell at Weymouth last season. Molesley left his roles with both Cherries and the Terras last month to take on the managerial role at League Two Southend, moving quickly to snap up Hobson.

“First and foremost he’s a talented footballer,” Molesley said of Hobson in an interview with the Southend club website.

“He’s a good age, at 22, where he’s had good experience in his loan moves. He’s a strong boy but also a strong character and I think he’ll be a great fit for the football club. I think Shaun is someone who is very established at the moment but he’s also got a lot further development in himself, so it’s an exciting signing.”

Molesley added: “He’s very strong, very physical but also very technical and good on the ball.

“I think he ticks all the boxes for a defender and we’re getting him at a good age where there’s still further development there.

“He’s ready for the rigours of first-team football now.”