Southend United are delighted to announce that defender Ben Coker has signed a new three-year contract with the Club.

Coker's deal with the Blues also allows an extension for a further year in Essex, with the defender putting pen to paper on a deal this morning.

The defender initially joined on trial in the summer of 2014, impressing boss Phil Brown enough to earn a deal with the Club.

He's been a regular in the team ever since – despite missing an early part of last season due to an unfortunate elbow injury.

And the left back is thrilled to commit his long-term future to the Club.

“I'm really pleased to have got tied down at Southend,” Coker said.

“I've had a great time here ever since I first came on trial and I'm thrilled to be able to stay at the Club.

“I feel like my game has improved massively since I joined the Club. We had a great season last year and I'm sure this campaign and in the future we'll earn more success.”

The left back has so far made 90 appearances for Southend and was a key part in the Blues promotion back to League 1 last season.