NINESouthend United youngsters have been offered new deals to stay with the Shrimpers.

Goalkeeper Josh Bexon, defenders Sonny Coutts and Dan Matsuzaka, midfielders Harry Phillips, Joe Bedford, Renei Batlokwa and Harry Phillips, winger Nico Cotton and striker Norman Wabo all been handed new contracts.

And Blues boss Phil Brown has been pleased with the progress the youngsters have made this season.

“It’s been the second full season of the under 21 team and, under the guidance of Kevin Maher, it’s been another successful year,” said Brown.

“We’ve been pleased with the performances and progression of the players and that’s why we have rewarded them with new contracts.

“Dan Matsuzaka and Nico Cotton are young professionals and we have also offered them new deals.”

Cotton finished last season on loan at Lowestoft Town, scoring five goals in 15 games in the Ryman Premier League, while Wabo teamed up well with fellow Blues’ youngster Dan Walker while on loan at Cambridge City.

And Brown could now opt to send youngsters out on loan in pairs.

“Dan and Norman did well together on loan at Cambridge City and I think we might look to loan out our younger players in pairs if possible from now on because it helps them,” said Brown.

“Dan and Norman did well together and got a few goals.

“Dan is younger than his team-mates in the under 21s but I understand (head of youth) Ricky Duncan has also opted to extend his contract.

“I’ve seen him in training since he’s come back and he’s looking far more of a man out there now which is the whole point in us sending out our loan players.”

Wabo scored four goals in four games while with Cambridge and Walker also impressed But they will not be joined at Blues by young centre-back Abdul Salami next season after he was not offered a new deal.

Right-back Jordan Williams, who came on for the first team as a substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion’s under 23 team in the Checkatrade Trophy in August, has also been released.