SOUTHEND United’s Cav Miley was delighted to end the season with individual honours.

But the 28-year-old midfielder admitted he would have preferred the Shrimpers to have ended the season in the play-offs.

Miley was voted player of the year by the club’s supporters and also won goal of the season for his impressive strike at Torquay United.

However, Miley still finished the campaign feeling gutted as Kevin Maher’s side just missed out on a top seven finish.

“I'm over the moon and it's nice to get the awards but the team is more important and I'd have much preferred to be in the play-offs,” said Miley.

“The goal of the season I think I got a bit of luck because I only got one!

“But I'm happy with it and getting player of the year from the fans means a lot.

“They've been brilliant with me and all the lads all season.”

Miley, who joined the Shrimpers after being released by Eastleigh last summer, started all 50 matches this season.

And he was pleased to finish off the campaign with a 2-1 win against Wealdstone at Roots Hall.

“It was a decent performance and it was good to finish the season on a positive note,” said Miley.

“The goal they got in the first half was probably the only real issue they caused us in the game and we should have scored two or three just before.

“We probably created more chances than we have in the last few weeks but it's a good result against a decent side.

“We knew other teams had to help us out if we were going to make the play-offs and we're gutted we haven't got in.”

Blues finished eighth in the standings just two points below the play-off positions.

And Miley knows where in the season the Shrimpers went wrong.

“Maybe at the start of the season we let ourselves down a tiny bit,” said Miley.

“We were a new group after quite a big turn around and we should've picked up points at certain places.

“Losing seven games on the bounce in March hurt us as well and there were a few of those games we didn't deserve to lose.

“That's where we killed ourselves a bit but we've finished on a high.”

And Miley also relished his in role in the season.

“I loved it from the minute I've got here,” said Miley.

“I needed that fresh start and I'm thankful to the club for giving me that opportunity.

“The gaffer, the staff and the lads have been unbelievable and we're a really close bunch.

“They've made it easy for me to come in and be myself and feel comfortable.

“I've enjoyed every minute but I'm just a bit gutted we didn't sneak into the play-offs.”

But Miley is now determined to go one better next term.

“We've got a good group of lads, staff and fans and we need to get out of this league,” he said.

“You see the size of our support and we shouldn't be in this league so hopefully we can start next season right and do that.”

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