Who's the joker in goal?

Southend FC sign stand-up Alderton

Stand-up Terry Alderton has signed for Southend United to help solve a goalkeeping crisis.

The team have two goalies suspended, so turned to Alderton, who was on their books as a youngster.

He has recently been taking part in Sky One’s reality show The Match, where he impressed Southend boss Steve Tilson.

The show climaxed with him playing n front of 50,000 fans at St. James Park against the likes of as Peter Beardsley and Paul Gascoigne.

Speaking to the Essex club’s official website, Alderton, who has appeared on London’s Burning and the National Lottery show Red Alert, said: "It's amazing to have signed for the club I support

 " I was here as a youngster but football never really worked out for me and I took up comedy instead. It's great that I can now come back.”

Alderton, who has been allocated squad number 24, was signed on a non-contract basis, and added: “Hopefully I won't be needed and Tilly will get someone in time - but you never know."

Published: 13 Oct 2004

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