SOUTHEND United striker Simon Cox has been voted player of the season by the Shrimpers Trust.

Cox, who has scored 17 goals this term, finished ahead of second-placed Nathan Bishop and Sam Hart in third.

But, despite being pleased to have won the award, Cox’s main focus remains on avoiding relegation.

“I’m pleased to have won the award and thank everyone who has voted for me but it’s the team that matters most,” said Cox,who was also voted player of the year by the Junior Blues.

“Saturday’s result at Rochdale wasn’t what we wanted but it’s still in our own hands and we know what we have to do.

“We will need everyone to have their best performance of the season on Saturday and we’ve been working hard all week to make sure we give everything to stay in this League.”

Despite Cox’s fine season, the Shrimpers have struggled this term and go into Saturday’s clash with Sunderland sitting 20th in the standings.

Blues are above the relegation zone on goal difference ahead of their final game of the season which they are likely to have to win to stay up.

Elsewhere, fellow forward Charlie Kelman was named as Blues’ youth team player of the season with Harry Seaden second and Matt Rush third.

Kelman also won the Shrimpers’ goal of the season award for his impressive strike against Plymouth Argyle which saw him score from inside his own half.

The award night was hosted by former Blues striker David Crown.