JASON Demetriou has signed a three and a half year contract to extend his stay at Southend United.

The 30-year-old right-back has been with the Shrimpers since the summer of 2016 and is happy to have committed his future to the club.

“These things sometimes take a long time and I know it started a few months ago but I’m buzzing to finally get it done and to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal is massive with everything going on with the stadium,” said Demetriou.

“I remember when I spoke to the chairman, he said this is what you want to be a part of, and I said ‘yeah I’d love to be’ and I’m glad that’s come true now.

“I said to chairman that when I first came to the club that I didn’t realise the size of it and the potential it has.

“I’m looking forward to the future and hopefully I’ll play a massive part in it.”

And the Cypriot international – who has made 68 appearances for the Shrimpers so far – is keen to help the club work their way into the Championship.

“Ron is very passionate about getting the club into the Championship and he is putting a lot into getting Southend up there,” said Demetriou.

“Hopefully all the other players can follow in Ron’s footsteps and push for promotion, as we all want to be up there.

“It’s where the club wants to be and it’s where I want to be so this was an offer I couldn’t turn down.”

Demetriou's deal will expire at the end of the 2020/21 season.