SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin has vowed to get back to his best next season.

Timlin made just 19 starts last term as injury problems prevented him holding down a regular role in the side.

But the 31-year-old is determined to rediscover his top form in a bid to extend his spell with the Shrimpers.

“Last season was a really frustrating one for me,” said Timlin.

“I had injury problems and never really got to play as much as I would have liked.

“But I’m confident I can do well again next year and I’ll be giving my all to make sure it happens.

“I’m in the final year of my contract and Southend is a club I want to stay at for as long as possible.

“I want my future to be here long term but for that to happen I know I need a good season.”

For that to happen, Timlin will also need to stay fit.

And he will be working throughout the summer in a bid to stay in shape.

“I’ve been working really hard and I was flying again in a fitness session a couple of days ago,” said Timlin.

“My knee, which meant my season ended early, feels strong and I’m looking forward to getting going again.

“Last year I wasn’t full out in pre-season friendlies because I know I had a tag of always getting injured at that time of the year.

“I wanted to get through pre-season without any problems so my fitness was the best it could be but then I ended up getting injured anyway.

“It was disappointing because I want to be playing as much as I can but that’s a target for next season now.”

And Timlin is also confident Blues can put together a season to remember, despite their disappointing end to the previous campaign.

Phil Brown’s side were beaten in their final five fixtures but Timlin believes there were still positives to take from last season.

“If I’m honest I don’t think we ever found our best form last season but we were still able to be in contention for the play-offs up until the last couple of months,” said Timlin.

“I know we’re likely to lose Daniel Bentley and Jack Payne but part of them being able to do well has been the players they have had around them.

“We still have most of them here and with a few new signings I see no reason why we can’t be going for promotion next season.”