Southend United have re-signed former Newcastle United footballer Nile Ranger on an 'incentivised month to month contract'.
Ranger spent four years at Newcastle between 2009 and 2013 but his career has been dogged by off-the-field issues since.
He has been out of the professional game for three years since being released by Southend back in 2018 because of 're-occurring disciplinary issues'.
But he is back at Roots Hall following a brief spell with non-league outfit Spalding United, the Shrimpers have offered him a route back into the football league.
"I know Nile will divide opinion but I can only speak as I find and his attitude has been first class," Mark Molesley manager of the League Two outfit, told BBC Essex.
"He had to earn the chance to train at our training ground, he had to earn the chance to train with the group and he'll have to earn the chance to play.
"There are still some big hurdles in front of him but if he keeps showing the same attitude I think he's got all the potential and tools to be a really exciting signing for us.
"We are placing a lot of trust in him but with that comes a lot of life experience. I think Nile's at a stage now where he needs football more than football needs him."
Ranger is in line to make his second debut for the club against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday as 22nd placed Southend look to pull clear of League Two's relegation zone.
