Jay Emmanuel-Thomas returns to QPR this summer after a season long loan spell in League One with Gillingham, in which the former Arsenal youngster barely avoided relegation to League Two.

The forward notched seven league goals during his time in Kent, and another loan spell beckons for the player who seemingly has no future at Loftus Road.

Heading back to League One will be the most suitable option for the 26-year-old, and time with promotion chasing Southend could help Emmanuel-Thomas rediscover the form that fired him through the youth academy at the Gunners.

Phil Brown’s men were unlucky to miss out on a play-off spot after a consistent season around the top six, and the former Hull boss will look to go one better next season by leading the Shrimpers into the end of season shoot out.

Southend scored a lot of goals in the league last year, and finished the fourth top scorers in the division after a prolific campaign.

Adding Emmanuel-Thomas to the mix is a risk, but if Brown can bring the best out of the player and bring out the form he showed during his spell with Bristol City where he scored 24 goals in 82 league games, then Brown will have added a new dimension with immense potential to his Roots Hall outfit.