MARK Oxley insists he would be ‘very happy’ to stay with Southend United.

The Shrimpers shot-stopper was voted player of the year by both the fans and his team-mates.

But, despite doubts surrounding his future, Oxley - whose current contract expires at the end of the season - would be pleased to remain at Roots Hall.

“I’ve already stated to the chairman that I’m happy to stay if the deal is right,” said Oxley, who has been linked with Millwall.

“It’s up to him and my agent to sort that out now, so we’ll see how it pans out over the next couple of weeks.

“It’s been backwards and forwards, so it’s down to the chairman.

“But if I’m here next season I’ll be very happy.”

Oxley made two more fine saves to help the Shrimpers finish their League One campaign with a 0-0 draw against Bristol Rovers at Roots Hall.

The clean sheet was Oxley’s fourth in succession and showed just why he was voted player of the season by both the fans and his team-mates.

And Oxley was thrilled to pick up the awards after an elbow injury cut short his first term with the club.

“I’m delighted,” said the 27-year-old.

“Last year was a tough time for me.

“I was out from Christmas time onwards, so to come back and be in the team was my main aim this year.

“Playing every game is another thing I’ve held onto, so I’m really happy with how it’s gone.”

Oxley started all 46 League games for the Shrimpers and made 51 appearances in total.

However, the shot-stopper remains slightly disappointed not to have been able to help the team finish higher than 10th in the table given their improvements since Chris Powell took charge in late January.

“In some ways it’s disappointing,” said Oxley.

“The manager hasn’t really brought in much that wasn’t there before and for me it’s frustrating because we had the bunch of lads here already.

“It was just about getting it out of them but I’m sure they’ll love to go again next season and carry on from where we’ve left off.”

And Oxley was also full of praise for the work down by Powell, who took control when Blues were just one point and one place above the relegation zone.

“Since the new manager has come in he’s been a breath of fresh air,” said Oxley.

“Before he was here we weren’t picking up clean sheets but when you are getting them you have half a chance.

“The new manager took a weight off a lot of boys’ shoulders and gave them the freedom to play, so it’s gone well.”

As a result, Oxley secured 10 clean sheets during Powell’s 18 games as manager having previously kept just five in the League all season.