DANNY Scopes is keen for Concord Rangers to build a fruitful relationship with Southend United after signing Tom Clifford on a one-month loan deal.

Clifford, who boasts one first team appearance for the Shrimpers, has made the temporary switch to the Aspect Arena.

And Concord boss Scopes hopes the League One side will send more promising youngsters to the Beach Boys in the future.

Scopes said: “I think we have had mixed relationships with Southend over the years because of the change in managers there.

“We have been speaking to Ricky Duncan about a couple of players and Tom’s name came up.

“We want to give him the opportunity to perform in men’s football.

“Tom is a left-back and that is a position where we need competition and cover, so it’s a good option for us.

“We want to make our relationship with Southend tighter and hopefully we will become the first port of call for them when they want players to go out and get experience at a good level.

“I’m sure Southend will like the fact that we are investing in young players and hopefully we will be able to bring more players in on loan from there in the future.”

Clifford made his Southend debut against Oxford United last December and has been at Roots Hall since the age of eight.

And the 20-year-old, who is in line to make his Concord bow in the National League South fixture with Chippenham Town this weekend, will provide competition for left-back Joe Claridge.

Scopes has also strengthened his midfield options by welcoming Henry Woods to Concord.

Woods has joined from League One outfit Gillingham on a one-month loan deal having been involved in the 4-0 Leasing.com Trophy defeat to Ipswich Town on Tuesday.

And Scopes is pleased to have acquired the 20-year-old’s services on a temporary basis.

“Henry is regularly with the Gillingham under-23s, but he trains with the first team,” added Scopes.

“They have high hopes for him at Gillingham and he can play anywhere in midfield, so he will give us versatility.

“He gets goals as well, which is what we want from players in midfield and he will give us good cover in that area of the pitch.

“Henry likes to get the ball down and play with quality.

“He started Gillingham’s Leasing.com Trophy defeat at Ipswich Town earlier this week so, although he is young, he comes to us with experience of senior football.”