JASON Demetriou is keen to help put right what has gone wrong at Southend United.

The 33-year-old has signed a new 12 month deal with the Shrimpers.

And Demetriou is determined to ensure Blues get back on track after suffering two successive.

"We need to perform well and bounce back this season," said the right-back, who can also play in midfield.

"We all played our part in last season and we ended up going down so I felt it was right to come back and play as many games as possible to help us have a good season."

Demetriou's new contract includes the option of a further 12 months.

And the former Cyprus international, who has been with Blues since 2016, is pleased to be remaining at Roots Hall.

"I'm so glad to get everything sorted," said Demetriou.

"The staff all knew I wanted be back here and it was just about finalising it so it suited all parties.

"I’ll be going into my sixth season at the club and I felt like I had to stay to try and help get us back into the Football League."

The Shrimpers will be lining up in the National League next season.

And work is already underway to ensure it can be a successful campaign for Blues.

"The main bulk of the football work started on Monday and it’s been really tough with double sessions every day," said Demetriou.

"It’s not something you miss when you’ve been around a long time but it’s what we need. Everyone knows if you have a good pre-season it sets you up for the year. It’s when you miss a pre-season that you’re always chasing, so I’m glad that I’m fit and hopefully I can participate as much as possible and get as many minutes under my belt in pre-season.

"We need a good start so pre-season is massive for me and everyone else as well."

Demetriou, who has made 178 appearances for the Shrimpers, was brought to the club by boss Phil Brown. And Brown is pleased to have secured the defender's services for at least another season.

"I’m absolutely delighted," said Brown.

"He’s signed to us as a player at the moment and hopefully we can help him in his journey where coaching is concerned, but it’s not officially started yet.

"In the main I want JD to concentrate on getting 35/40 games next year because I’m sure the way he plays the game and the way he conducts himself off the field of play he will be quite capable of getting that many games in."