SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is keen to keep on working with promising centre-back Tommy Davis.

The young centre-back has been offered a new deal with the Shrimpers.

And Maher is looking forward to seeing the defender flourish.

“He’s a brilliant character and he loves defending,” said Maher.

“He had a couple of good loans last year when he went out and played in the National League South which was good for him.

“He will come back in and be with us in pre-season, just like Oli Coker and Jon Benton and be part of the group.

“Lets see how they develop and hopefully they’ll take their opportunity.

"It's good for us to have our own players coming through and it's an important part of the part.

"It's something I'm keen to keep going having worked in the 23s before and I'm delighted with them.

"Pre-season will be important for them."

>Blues boss Kevin Maher on next season's National League and the latest on new signings.