Noel Hunt believes Roots Hall is the right place for him to settle, after putting pen-to-paper on an initial one-year deal with Southend United.
Following spells with Reading, Leeds United and Ipswich Town, Hunt has opted for a move to Essex with the newly-promoted Shrimpers, and the 32-year-old had no problems dropping a tier into Sky Bet League 1.“I spoke to somebody the other day who said 10 years ago he wouldn't have played at League 1 but nowadays it's full of Championship quality,” Hunt told the club's official website.
“I've moved a lot over the last 12 years or so – five years in Scotland, five years in Reading and a couple at Leeds and Ipswich. It's a chance to settle for me now, and personally my wife's family are only 60 miles down the road which makes the move close to home.”
Hunt’s wife wasn't the only influence on the Irishman though, who received glowing reports about Phil Brown, the manager who guided Southend to promotion via the Sky Bet League 2 Play-Offs back in May.
“I spoke to the gaffer two or three weeks ago. There was a lot of things off the field that I had to deal with but I spoke to a few people and they sung his praises. I spoke to my brother who said he was one of the best he's ever worked with,” the striker added.
And now, alongside fellow new recruit David Mooney, Hunt is hoping to fire his new club to a successful campaign.
“I know Moons [David Mooney] from Reading and the rest of the boys have been great, which is nice to see.
“I'm hard-working and hopefully I'll get my fair share of goals for the team – I'm a big team player.”