KINGS Langley director of football Darren Eliot has labelled Southend United new boy Jack Wood as ‘huge success story’ for the club.

The 19-year-old midfielder has signed a two and a half year deal with the Shrimpers.

And Eliot is keen to see Wood flourish in the future.

"Jack has been a huge success story for the club, having played for our Under 18 team following the recommendation of Marc Fryer at Berkhamsted, before making himself an integral part of the first team squad,” Eliot told the club’s official website.

"While we will all be really sad to see Jack leave, we are delighted that he is joining such a well-respected club and we have no doubt he will continue to shine.

“Ever since joining Kings Langley, Jack has been an asset to the club and we wish him the very best for the future.

"I would also like to thank Southend, and in particular CEO Tom Lawrence, for the way they conducted themselves and how respectful they have been to us during the process of the transfer."

Wood has lined up for Kings Langley since the age of 17 and boss Chris Cummins always felt the youngster had the ability to push on.

"Jack came to us as a youth player and showed great potential in his first few sessions training with the first team,” said Cummins.

"With our philosophies as a club that wants to develop and promote from within, we gave Jack his debut as a 17-year-old.

“He continued to improve and became a regular starter at a very young age.

"He has now been involved with the first team for nearly three years and like many young players will have highs and lows.

“However as a coach I believe in giving young players the chance to play even when things are not going well and to Jack's credit, he has overcome every obstacle."

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