SOUTHEND United goalkeeper Ted Smith has signed a new three year contract at the club.

The deal will keep the England under 20 international at Roots Hall until 2018.

And Smith is thrilled to have put pen to paper on another contract with his home-town club.

“I've been at Southend eight years now and I'm delighted to extend my stay here,” said the Benfleet based Smith.

“I'm already looking forward to the next few seasons as a Southend United player and I feel like I'm on the right track. “I'm still young and need experience and I got a few games last year which shows the faith the people here have in me.

“But I want the jersey here.

“Dan [Bentley] is doing brilliantly but if he takes a knock then I need to be ready to step in.”