manager jim magilton announced that harding was no longer in his plans for the 2008–2009 season and on 7 august 2008 harding moved to southend united on a six-month loan deal with a view to a permanent deal. harding made his southend united debut in the opening game of the season in a 1–0 win over peterborough united. against stockport county on 11 october 2008, harding was sent-off in the 68th minute. after serving a three match ban harding made his return from suspension and scored against former club leeds in a 1–0 win on 28 october 2008. after the match, shrimpers' manager steve tilson praised harding's performance. after nineteen appearance for southend, the club wanted harding to stay but he opted to return to his parent club, even though ipswich were still keen on selling him.