SOUTHEND United defender John White has signed a six month deal with the Shrimpers.

The 34-year-old centre-back - who has been with Blues on a permanent basis since 2013 - has committed his future until the end of January.

And White is pleased to have put pen to paper just before the start of pre-season training. 

"I am really pleased to get the contract sorted in time to join in with the group from the start of pre-season today," said White.

“I definitely feel like we all as a group have something to prove after what happened last year.

"I am really pleased that I will get the opportunity to turn the fortunes of this club around and move forward in a positive way."

White has made 241 appearances for the Shrimpers and skippered the side at the 2015 League Two play off final against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

But he is still hungry for more. 

“I cannot wait to get back into training as I haven’t seen a lot of this squad for some time now," said White.

“I would like to feel like a footballer again as it has been an extremely long time since I was on a pitch competitively.”