JACK Bridge has signed a two year contract to stay at Southend United.

The attacking midfielder featured in the Shrimpers' final two games of the season.

And the 20-year-old has now committed his future to his home-town club.

"I've been here for such a long time and I really want to be here so I’m delighted to sign a new contract," said Bridge, who came through the youth system with the Shrimpers.

“After making my debut at Roots Hall against Bradford and then starting for the first time on Sunday at Bury it’s given me the taste of what I want and I can’t wait to kick on next year now."

Bridge's deal will keep him at Roots Hall until the end of the 2017/18 season.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is pleased to have held on to the youngster.

“I’m absolutely delighted," said Brown.

“We reward people who want to be here and we've done that with Jack.

"He's shown in the last couple of games what he's capable of and it's up to him to work hard so he can keep on moving forward.

"With Dan Bentley and Jack Payne leaving it's time for the likes of Jack and Ted Smith to step up.

"Since I've been here I've had a product of our youth system in every squad I've named and I would like that to continue.

"It's something we're all proud of."