MICHAEL Turner has signed a new contract at Southend United.

The experienced defender has put pen to paper on a year long deal which includes the option of a further 12 months.

And 34-year-old Turner is happy to have committed his future to the club.

“I’m really pleased to get it done,” said the centre-back.

“The club made it clear to me at the end of last season that they wanted to keep me.

“From that moment on, I was always looking forward to signing again.”

Turner - who joined the Shrimpers last summer - endured an injury hit start to his spell at Roots Hall but recovered strongly to impress at the heart of the back four.

The defender made 26 appearances and scored four goals.

But Turner is now keen to kick on.

“I was pleased with the amount of games I played last year considering the previous two years I didn’t play too much but hopefully I can kick on now,” said the former Sunderland and Hull City man.

“Coming here, all I wanted to do was play games and be consistent again and I managed to do that after a slow start.

“I was pleased with how things went personally and I’m looking forward to coming back and getting going again.”

Turner began his career at Charlton Athletic, where he first worked with Chris Powell.

And the Blues boss is delighted to have kept hold of the centre-back.

“Michael’s contribution at both ends of the pitch was fantastic for the team and for himself,” said Powell.

“He’s a leader in the way he plays and he’s very consistent.

“He likes to defend but he also scored a number of important goals, none more so than against Scunthorpe.

“He trains diligently and prepares himself in the right way for games so I’m really pleased he’s staying.”

Turner joins goalkeeper Mark Oxley in signing a new deal, but striker Simon Cox remains in talks.