SOUTHEND United striker Simon Cox was chosen as Blues’ player of the year by his team-mates and the club’s fans.

Cox enjoyed a fine season in attack for the Shrimpers, scoring 17 times to keep Kevin Bond’s side in League One.

But it was avoiding relegation which meant most to Cox.

“I’m really pleased to have won the awards and thank you to everyone who voted for me but they wouldn’t really have meant that much if we had gone down,” said Cox.

“It’s the team that matters more than any individual award and that’ s why it was great we got the win against Sunderland.

“It was unreal but it’s time to rest up now before we get ready for next season.

The two awards made it four prizes in total for Cox who was also voted player of the year by the Shrimpers Trust and the Junior Blues.

Goalkeeper Nathan Bishop was named young player of the year by the Blues fans after making 21 appearances between the sticks.

The youngster - who secured four clean sheets - also won the save of the season award for the two stops he made in quick succession against Bristol Rovers.

Another product of the club’s youth system, Charlie Kelman, won the goal of the season award for his strike from inside his own half against Plymouth Argyle at Roots Hall back in January.

Centre-back John White was also named as the club’s community player of the year while Michael Turner was presented with a framed shirt after reaching 500 career appearances.