PAUL Smith is set to move into a goalkeeping coaching position at Southend United.

The 35-year-old shotstopper will soon be out of contract with the Shrimpers.

But Blues boss Phil Brown believes Smith will remain at Roots Hall as a coach.

“Talks have gone well with Paul and he’s keen to stay on as a coach which is great news as far as I’m concerned,” said Brown.

“We will retain his playing registration but he will be sharing coaching responsibilities with Terry Mason.

“It’s an important role because we have two excellent young goalkeepers at this football club in Daniel Bentley and Ted Smith who between them managed 24 clean sheets last season.

“It’s important we nurture them and Paul will play a part in that.

“He’s going to hopefully do his UEFA B badge as soon as possible and hopefully we can get it all sorted because Paul can still have a very important part to play here.

“People don’t always see what goes on behind the scenes but I’m sure both Dan and Ted would recognise the work Paul has done with them.”

Smith, who has also played for Brentford, Southampton and Nottingham Forest in his career, joined Blues on a free transfer in 2012.

He has made 47 appearances during his spell with the Shrimpers but played just once last season, against Walsall in the Capital One Cup.

But he now looks set to continue with the highly-rated Bentley and Smith who Brown confirmed have not attracted any offers yet this summer.

“There haven’t been any offers made for Daniel or Ted,” said Brown.

“It’s always quite quiet at this time of year where transfers are concerned and it doesn’t normally pick up until July time.

“But we obviously want to keep them both and where Daniel is concerned we are in talks about a new contract.”