SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin today revealed that the Shrimpers have opened contract talks with four of their players.

Midfielders Nicky Bailey, Alan McCormack, Mark Gower and Franck Moussa have been offered new deals by Blues, while negotiations are also soon set to start with goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan.

"We've started talking to a number of players," Martin told the Echo.

"We're speaking to Nicky, Alan, Mark and Franck about new contracts and it's important we sort it out because we want them to be a part of the club's future.

"On top of that it's a reward for what they have done and it's important we maintain continuity.

"It is also on my agenda to start speaking to Darryl about his contract soon as well."

Flahavan's current deal expires at the end of the season, along with Gower's.

McCormack and Moussa still have a year left and Bailey has two but Martin is keen to tie up the trio's future.

And he is also hoping to see the Shrimpers maintain the momentum which has seen them go 13 games undefeated and secure a place in the League One play-offs.

"If you did a league table from January I'm sure we would be top and since Christmas the team has done brilliantly which has really helped their confidence," he said.

"That is crucial at this stage of the season when teams are all getting tired but our players our on a high and hopefully that will help in the play-offs.

"They are always a bit of a lottery but hopefully we can keep the run going and get to Wembley.

"I don't really mind who we play in the semi final but at the moment is does seem odds on that it's going to be Nottingham Forest.

"It could all change after the weekend but it looks likely at this stage."

The former European Champions would provide a real test for Blues but Martin is hoping they can clinch promotion ahead of building work commencing for the new stadium at Fossetts Farm.

"We will be on site at the end of the summer, around September/October time," he said.

"From there we are expecting the stadium to take 22 months to build and we shall be moving there in 2010 so all in all it's a very exciting time for the football club."