Portsmouth prospect feeling the love again after Fratton nightmare

Hackett-Fairchild yesterday joined the League Two strugglers on loan for the rest of the season, after his stint at National League Bromley came to a close.

The 22-year-old told how Southend have previously chased his signature as he aims to finally get some Football League game time, after being left on the fringes since his move to Fratton Park from Charlton 12 months ago.

Hackett-Fairchild told southendunited.co.uk: ‘It’s been around for a while and I’m delighted to get it over the line.

‘There was some interest in the summer, but it couldn’t get done. It’s come back up in January and I’m really happy to be here.

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‘I’ve spent half a season on loan at Bromley, got my games back up along with my fitness and now I can push on and finish the rest of the season strongly.

‘I spoke to the gaffer this week and he let me know a bit about the club, the team and what he’s trying to implement which really appealed to me.

‘It’s a big reason why I’m here today.’

Southend boss Mark Molesley believes Hackett-Fairchild has shown he’s got the attributes to make a mark in his side’s survival bid, which is now gathering some place.

He added: ‘He’s a player we’ve known about for some time.

‘We tried to get him when we first came to the club but unfortunately we weren’t in a position to make that happen at the time.

‘He went to Bromley and he’s done well.

‘He’s played all across the front line and out wide so he plays in a lot of positions.

‘He brings competition for places across the whole front line. He’s a talented and exciting player and one we’re very much looking forward to seeing in action.

‘He’s young, athletic and energetic but he’s not a pup either.

‘The Conference is an unforgiving league and he’s performed well in there to get his move to Portsmouth and also when on loan.

‘He’s got a nice balance of youthful energy and a bit of experience of men’s football.’

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