FREDDY Eastwood wants to stay at Southend United.

The 28-year-old striker ended last season back at Blues on loan from Coventry City.

And he would be keen to commit his future to the club.

“Of course I’m interested in staying at Southend and the manager has already told me there will be something here for me,” said Eastwood, who scored twice in nine games during his short stint back at Southend.

“I like being here, it’s near my family and, in truth, I haven’t really been happy since I left a few years ago.

“I have no idea what the offer Southend will put to me is, but if it’s a good one then I would seriously consider it and right now I would say it’s 60/40 in favour of me staying.”

Eastwood was a huge success at Roots Hall first time around and scored 65 times in 135 games during a three-year spell which started in October 2004.

His goals secured back-to-back promotions for Blues but since then the forward has failed to hit such highs after enduring disappointing spells with both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City.

However, he remains determined to get back to his best.

“I still have the hunger to do well and be successful again,” said Eastwood.

“I haven’t spoken to my agent yet so I don’t know anything about what offers I have, but wherever I play next year I want to do better than this year because it was poor for me.”

FULL STORY IN MONDAY'S ECHO