Central defender joins on loan from Championship side QPR…
Southend United are delighted to announce the loan signing of Joe Gubbins from Championship side QPR.
The 20-year-old defender, who began his career at Southampton before moving to west London in 2017, has signed for Blues until the end of the season and becomes Kevin Maher’s second and final reinforcement to the defence today.
Gubbins made his professional debut for the R’s as a late substitute in their 5-1 FA Cup win over Swansea in January 2020. His league debut came on the final day of the 19/20 season away to West Bromwich Albion, again making a late appearance from the bench.
A left footed centre back, he previously had spells on loan in the National League system with Oxford City in October 2020 and then earlier in the 21/22 campaign at Aldershot Town, where he made three appearances in a month-long spell.
The 6ft 3in defender is available for this weekend’s trip to Yeovil Town and will wear the number 17 shirt during his time on loan at Roots Hall.
Maher said: "Being a left-footed centre half he can bring that balance that we have lost with Ralphy injured and ruled out for six weeks.
"He’s someone who’s got a great left foot, he’s played at the level albeit for a brief period and he’s got great potential.
"We’re looking forward to him coming into the squad alongside Kenny.
"With the players we’ve lost it meant we wanted to add a couple in that area. We want to keep pushing and finish the season strong by winning as many games as we can.
"I'm pleased we’ve been able to sign two and I'm grateful to the club for allowing us to do that."
Welcome to Blues, Joe!