PHIL BROWN reckons the capture of Rob Kiernan from Rangers is a coup for Southend this summer.

The defender quit Ibrox this week to pen a three-year deal at Roots Hall after United agreed an undisclosed fee with the Light Blues.

Kiernan was a key part of the Gers side during his first campaign in Scottish football as Mark Warburton’s side won the Championship title and Petrofac Training Cup.

But he struggled for form during a nightmare campaign for Rangers last term and quickly fell out of favour following Pedro Caixinha’s arrival at Ibrox.

Kiernan has now returned south of the border and Shrimpers boss Brown is delighted to have the 26-year-old on board for the new League One campaign.

He told Southend's official website: “I’m delighted. It’s really significant, one because Rob’s been playing for a club such as Glasgow Rangers and he’s decided to come and join us, two it’s a permanent transfer fee, I know it’s an undisclosed fee but at the end of the day it’s a sign that we are prepared to go to the next level in terms of transfers.

“The support from the Chairman has certainly come within the wage structure, but this time now it’s a real step forward, a real move in the right direction that we can attract the likes of Rob Kiernan.

“He will be, without a shadow of a doubt, a force to be reckoned with at the back.

“People shouldn’t take lightly how difficult it is to play for a club such as Glasgow Rangers. You’re expected to win week in and week out.

“There’s a lot of pressure playing for Glasgow Rangers and we’ve managed to get someone with that mentality to play alongside the likes of Michael Turner, Anton Ferdinand and the big players we’ve got at the football club.

"When you do attract players of the age that Rob’s at and the calibre Rob is at, for me it’s a sign the club is moving in the right direction.”