BEN Coker has had his pre-season trial at Southend United extended by Blues boss Phil Brown.

The former Colchester United left-back has looked strong while with the Shrimpers.

And Brown will take another look at him against Chelmsford City on Monday night before deciding whether or not to offer the 24-year-old a contract to remain at Roots Hall.

“Ben has done well in training and in the matches we’ve played so I’d like to give him another game and see how he does against Chelmsford,” said Brown.

“After that we will decide whether or not to offer him a deal but he’s done well so far and I like the look of what I’ve seen from him.

“But he’s the only trialist out of the ones who have been here that I’ve decided to keep on for longer.”

As a result, former Scunthorpe United winger Cleveland Taylor, ex Glasgow Rangers striker Kane Hemmings, former Gillingham forward Jacob Erskine and Portugese duo Matthew Silva and Bruno will not be offered deals by the Shrimpers.

“The attitude of the lads was different class and I’ve already spoken to other managers about some of them,” said Brown.

“We won’t be offering them anything at the moment but we do need to bring in more players and we’re working hard to try and make that happen.”

Coker will be hoping he is next in line as he strives to secure a return to the professional game.

The defender had his contract at Colchester United cancelled last February and had been playing in the Conference North with Histon.