Sutton United's latest acquisition was saved from a Southend nightmare to sign a season-long deal at the Lane.

Bedsente Gomis made his debut in last weekend's FA Cup win at FC Romania after spending the previous week training with his new United team-mates.

The 26-year-old Senegalese midfielder has plied his trade in the lower levels around Europe with dwindling appearances for Lens B in France (68 appearances), and Spanish sides Puertollano (24) and Almeria B (13) before joining Southend United in January this year.

However, Gomis was released in May after only two appearances for the Shrimpers.

Doswell said: "I spoke to some people at Southend, and it appears Bedsi was unfortunate because he'd signed a six-month deal with a six-month option, and then the club were put under a transfer embargo and they did not take up the option.

"So he was hanging around waiting for them to do something.

"This is an opportunity to come to us, get lots of games and if it works out well, he has a chance to move on."

He added: "He's signed a year's contract with us, he wanted to get settled somewhere and he's done that really well.

"He speaks good English, which is important, and he gives a nice energy to the team and he has a nice way about him."

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