SOUTHEND United are to offer Greg Halford a short-term contract to stay with the Shrimpers.

The versatile 36-year-old made 16 appearances for Blues last season.

And boss Phil Brown is keen to keep Halford at Roots Hall. 

"I've said to him we would be getting an offer across to him but it would be based on time rather than money and it's ongoing," said Brown.

"What I mean by that is in the National League you can go game to game, month to month or whatever you want to.

"His age and the number of games he has or hasn’t played in the last few years are a key factor in regards to him signing for us but whether he has something else on the table I don’t know yet."

Halford has made 530 appearances during a lengthy career which included spells with Colchester United, Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest.

But Brown still feels Halford has plenty to offer. 

"I think ability wise he can play at this level comfortably," said the Shrimpers boss.

"He also has the ability to play in a number of position which is attractive from our point of view.

"The only downside is his age and the injuries he’s had.

"They’re always key factors and that’s the thought process behind the length of contract."