SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has finally signed a new three year contract to remain at Roots Hall.

Brown, who guided the Shrimpers from League Two last season, had been talking about the deal for the past 12 months.

And he is thrilled to have now committed his future to the club until the summer of 2018.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have signed the contract to stay as manager of Southend United,” said Brown.

“Lots of people have been asking me why it’s taken so long but there were a number of clauses in the deal that needed to be discussed and looked over.

“Then when we came in to the run-in to the season all of the focus was on the run of big games we had and making sure we won promotion which thankfully we were able to do.

“But I’m very pleased it’s all been sorted and I think it will open the floodgates for one or two others to sign now so it’s all systems go for next season.”

Brown is currently in Spain working for the League Manager’s Association but will soon be switching to the Algarve to play in a golf event to raise money for the Sparks Children’s Charity.

However, he will still be fully focused on preparing the Shrimpers for next season.

And Brown is determined to keep his backroom team in place.

“Now I’ve signed I want Dave Penney, Graham Coughlan and Bob Shaw to follow suit,” said the 56-year-old.

“I also want the sports science guys, the fitness team and the physiotherapist department to remain here too because they played a massive part in the success we achieved last season.

“We all want to build on the promotion we got and we’re close to others agreeing contracts too which is great news and I’m looking forward to carrying on working with Ron Martin, Steve Kavanagh and everyone else at the football club.”

And Kavanagh was also equally as delighted to have Brown staying with Blues.

“It’s really good news that Phil is going to be staying with us,” said Kavanagh.

“We managed to achieve what we wanted to do last season and now we’re looking to build on that so we will be focusing on making sure we put together another competitive squad.”

Season cards are also still available to watch the Shrimpers next season.

Visit www.southendunited.co.uk or contact 08444 770077 for more details.