A major midfield reshuffle

Southend United have begun to reshape their midfield ahead of the 2026/27 season, with Keenan Appiah-Forson departing for Oldham Athletic while Darren Oldaker and Anthony Hartigan arrive at Roots Hall.

The trio of moves represent some of the most significant business completed since Kieron Dyer was appointed Head Coach and offer the clearest indication yet of the direction the club intends to take this summer.

Appiah-Forson moves on

After weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future, midfielder Keenan Appiah-Forson has joined League Two side Oldham Athletic on a two-year contract following the expiry of his Southend United deal.

The 24-year-old arrived at Roots Hall in August 2024 after leaving West Ham United and quickly established himself as a key member of Kevin Maher’s squad.

During his time with the Shrimpers, Appiah-Forson made more than 90 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals, including an important strike against Horsham during Southend’s successful FA Trophy campaign.

A product of West Ham’s academy, Appiah-Forson joined the Hammers at the age of 14 and progressed through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in the UEFA Europa League against Dinamo Zagreb in December 2021.

Following a loan spell with Dagenham & Redbridge during the 2023/24 season, he moved permanently to Southend and quickly became a popular figure among supporters thanks to his energy, work rate and ability to drive forward from midfield.

Southend had hoped to retain the midfielder, but Appiah-Forson has chosen to continue his career in the Football League with the newly promoted Latics.

His departure leaves a sizeable gap in the centre of the park, but Southend have moved quickly to strengthen.

Oldaker returns to work with Dyer

The first arrival is Darren Oldaker, who joins Southend from League Two side Swindon Town for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old defensive midfielder reunites with Kieron Dyer after the pair worked together at Chesterfield, where Oldaker captained the Spireites to the National League title in 2023/24.

Oldaker’s football journey has been anything but straightforward.

After beginning his career with Gillingham, he spent time in non-league football with Hythe Town, Welling United, Billericay Town and Dorking Wanderers before establishing himself as one of the National League’s most effective midfielders.

His performances at Dorking earned a move to Chesterfield, where he became a central figure in one of the strongest teams in the division.

Following promotion, he spent last season in League Two with Swindon Town, making 40 appearances across all competitions.

Oldaker told the official club website, SouthendUnited.co.uk, that he is excited to be part of the project under Dyer.

Hartigan adds quality and leadership

Joining Oldaker at Roots Hall is Anthony Hartigan, who arrives following the expiry of his contract at Barnet.

Hartigan brings significant EFL experience and arrives after captaining the Bees to the National League title before helping them compete in League Two last season.

The midfielder came through the academy at AFC Wimbledon and made more than 150 senior appearances for the Dons before later representing Newport County, Mansfield Town and Barnet.

His spell with Barnet proved particularly successful.

After initially joining on loan, Hartigan became one of the National League’s standout midfielders, earning Players’ Player of the Season, Manager’s Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season and Goal of the Season honours during the 2023/24 campaign.

He was also named in the National League Team of the Season in consecutive years.

Hartigan told SouthendUnited.co.uk that conversations with Kieron Dyer and Oliver Gage helped convince him that Roots Hall was the right place for the next stage of his career.

Dyer delivers a statement of intent

For Kieron Dyer, the arrivals of Oldaker and Hartigan represent more than simple squad additions.

Both players know what it takes to win promotion from the National League and both arrive with recent Football League experience.

Those comments perhaps reveal the most important part of Southend’s summer strategy.

Dyer is not simply looking for talented footballers. He is targeting players with leadership qualities, promotion experience and strong character.

The bigger picture

The departure of Keenan Appiah-Forson will undoubtedly disappoint many Southend supporters.

However, the arrivals of Darren Oldaker and Anthony Hartigan immediately strengthen a midfield that will be expected to play a major role in Southend’s push for promotion.

Combined with the earlier signing of Josh Popoola, these moves suggest Southend’s summer rebuild is beginning to gather momentum.

And if Dyer’s final comment is anything to go by, there may be plenty more business still to come before the National League season gets underway.