A long-standing servant at Roots Hall and club captain, he has made 287 appearances for the Shrimpers over the past nine years, and the 35-year-old has joined the Magpies fight against relegation until the end of the season.

White signed a contract extension with Southend in the summer of 2021 to take the defender into his ninth season and make him the club’s longest-serving player.

Such was the loyalty shown from the stalwart, White was also offered a testimonial year in his new contract for his years of excellent service to the club.

White captained the club as Southend won promotion to League One in 2015 at Wembley and then was again heavily involved in a dramatic victory on the final day of the 2018/19 campaign against Sunderland, scoring the first goal as Blues avoided relegation.

He has become fan favourite since making the move from Essex rivals Colchester United, whom he started his career with and spent nine years, making 227 appearances.

Prior to his permanent move to Rotos Hall, White had a short loan spell with Blues in 2009 and made 6 appearances before returning to Colchester.

He also had a 4-game loan spell with Stevenage Borough – then in the Conference.