Bonne Hopes To Pick Up When He Left Off At Southend United

That, he says, is firing in the goals to help Southend United to promotion - just like he did Leyton Orient five years ago.

The 28-year-old has joined the Essex side on a one-year deal, having been released by League Two side Gillingham at the end of last season.

He scored 24 times back in 2018-19 as Orient took the title on the final day of the season and he’s back for more with an initial target of getting Southend’s season up and running.

It’s only one win so far but only one defeat for the Shrimpers and after the sale of striker Harry Cardwell, fans hope Bonne can leave a sweet taste in the mouth.

The centre-forward said: “I’m really happy to be here and crack on.

“It’s been me my whole career, scoring goals. The last couple of years haven’t really gone to plan but I spoke with the manager and hopefully I can get back in the swing of things and back to scoring goals in a league I know really well.

“I’ve done my own training here and there where I can. I thought my fitness would be a lot worse off than where I was today, and if I can get 90 minutes or one minute, I’ll be grateful to be back playing.”
Southend head coach Kevin Maher is hoping he can turn back time and slip straight back into the scoring groove in a division he has dominated before.

“Macauley’s got a proven record in the National League and has played higher up so we’re really pleased to have someone of his pedigree in,” he told the club’s website.

“He’s at an age where he’s still got loads to offer the club and the team.

"He’s not been playing but he’s kept himself in good shape, so we’ll look at how we get his football fitness up to speed.”