Southend United have today released five players following Friday night's play-off defeat against Doncaster Rovers.

Lewis Hunt, Che Wilson, Tommy Black, Steve Collis and Kevin Maher have all been told today that their contracts are not being renewed by boss Steve Tilson.

The news will end midfielder Kevin Maher's ten-year spell with the Roots Hall side after he was loaned to Gillingham earlier in the season.

Maher made just under 450 appearances for Southend after signing from Tottenham Hostpur in 1998.

Meanwhile, striker James Walker has completed a permanent move to Southend from Charlton Athletic.

Walker was initially on loan with the Blues from the Championship side, but has now finalised the switch for an undisclosed fee.

Finally, defender Simon Francis has been offered a one-year contract extension on his current deal.

The former Sheffield United full-back still has 12 months remaining on his current contract.

Southend Chairman Ron Martin confirmed earlier this month that he had opened contract discussions with Mark Gower, Alan McCormack, Nicky Bailey and Darryl Flahavan about new deals or extensions to their current contracts.