BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent have bolstered their squad with two new signings.

The R's have confirmed the arrivals of Luke Mallett and Joe Bedford.

Wing-back Mallett has joined on a permanent deal, having previously been with Braintree Town and Witham Town.

He can play on either side, likes to get forward and is comfortable in possession.

Bedford, meanwhile, has arrived on loan from Southend United.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who signed his first professional deal in the summer, is highly-rated by Shrimpers manager Phil Brown.

"I'd like to thank Academy manager Ricky Duncan and administrator Lis Orford at Southend for their help in pushing the deal through so promptly," manager James Webster told the R's website.

"I'd also like to thank my assistant manager, Chris Smith, who, straight off the back of a night shift, drove to Southend to meet Joe and get all the paperwork sorted.

"I can't wait to start working with both players and feel both will progress their careers with Brightlingsea."

Both players have signed in time for tonight's Velocity Cup first-round tie at AFC Sudbury.