BEN Coker has signed a contract extension to remain with Southend United until at least the summer of 2016.

As was revealed in Echosport earlier this week, the left-back has agreed to extend his spell with the Shrimpers.

And the 24-year-old – who still had a season left on his previous deal - now wants to make it a double celebration by helping Blues secure promotion in to League One.

“I’m really happy that everything has been sorted out and now it’s all about making sure we make the play-offs and win promotion, “said Coker.

“I’ve really loved every second of being at Southend. I’ve settled in well, I’ve played regularly and I would like to think I’ve played quite well too.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity Southend have given me because I was playing non league before they signed me.

“But I would like to think I’ve repaid them with my form and can hopefully keep that going to help get us up because that’s what we all want.”

Coker’s next chance to impress will come tomorrow when the Shrimpers travel to second placed Rochdale.

Phil Brown’s side will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing 1-0 home defeat against AFC Wimbledon.

And the defender is confident of springing a surprise.

“If we play like we can then we’re certainly capable of picking something up from the Rochdale game,” said Coker.

“I was very impressed by them when we played against them earlier on in the season so I’m not surprised they are up towards the top.

“But it will be a good game because they also like to pass the ball around and we both obviously need the points.

“The Wimbledon game was disappointing but it was just one of those days nothing went for us and now we will be going out to make sure we bounce back from that.”

Coker’s new deal also includes the option of another year’s contract which can be triggered by the club.