Southend United wave goodbye to Harry Boyes as Kyle McAdam arrives

Southend United have confirmed the departure of Harry Boyes to York City while bolstering Kieron Dyer’s squad with the signing of midfielder Kyle McAdam.

Boyes joined the League Two newcomers for an undisclosed fee on Monday after spending a season at Roots Hall.

The 24-year-old made 52 appearances for the Shrimpers after arriving in the summer of 2025, making his debut in a 3-0 win at Gateshead.

He also played a key role in the club’s Izuzu FA Trophy triumph at Wembley, converting his penalty in the shootout as Southend lifted the first major domestic trophy in the club’s history.

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Feels right

The club thanked the defender for his contribution and wished him well following his move to the Minstermen.

On the same day, the Shrimpers bolstered their defensive options with the arrival of McAdam on a two-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend the deal by a further year.

The 21-year-old joins after leaving Nottingham Forest, having spent last season on loan in League One with Mansfield Town and Northampton Town.

McAdam, who featured as a substitute in Southend’s 4-0 pre-season victory over Aveley, said he was eager to get started.

“It feels great, and it feels right, which is important,” he said. “I’m excited for the season ahead and to get going on Saturday.

“Fans can expect energy, aggression and directness from me. I want to get forwards and involved in attacking play.”

Profile

McAdam progressed through Forest’s academy, reaching the FA Youth Cup final in 2022 and helping the club’s under-21s win the Premier League International Cup before gaining senior experience out on loan.

Dyer revealed the club had tracked the full-back for some time before completing the deal.

“We had Kyle in mind for a while but he was on trial at an EFL club, so we had to bide our time,” said the Southend boss.

“As soon as he became available, we were delighted to get him.

“He fits the profile – great in attack, very direct – and fans got a glimpse of that on Saturday.”

Excited

McAdam is also looking forward to experiencing a full Roots Hall on a matchday after getting a taste of the atmosphere on Saturday.

“I’ve heard good things,” he said. “I’ve heard it’s very packed, about 8,000 on average. Definitely excited to be playing in front of the fans at Southend.”

And he made no secret of the Shrimpers’ ambitions for the National League campaign ahead.

“The main goal is obviously as a team to get promoted,” he added. “That’s what we’re set out to do.

“That’s what the gaffers set out to do as well – that’s the main objective.”

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