JASON Demetriou has been added to Southend United’s coaching team.

The 35-year-old has made 233 appearances for the Shrimpers since signing in 2016.

And he is now looking forward to working alongside Blues boss Kevin Maher.

“I’m buzzing,” said Demetriou.

“I’ve always thought I wanted to go into coaching and I can’t wait to get going.

“The gaffer has been great with me since he’s come in and I’m lucky to be getting this kind of experience with him and his staff.

“It’s a great group and I’ll be looking to learn as much as I can from all three of them.

“You see how much time and effort they spend planning everything and I’m happy to help however I can.”

Demetriou has already experienced a short spell in the Shrimpers dug-out after being caretaker manager for one game back in October 2021.

And Demetriou enjoyed the added responsibility.

“I’d say I did enjoy it,” said Demetriou.

“It was nice to get a quick bit of insight into what it’s like.

“It was nice to get that taster and I’m looking forward to learning more about the roles behind the scenes now.

And that could well see Demetriou working with the club’s young players as well as the first team.

“Anything they need me to do I’ll be happy with, whether that’s with the first team or working with Danny Heath and the youth team,” said Demetriou.

“I’ll help out wherever I’m needed and I feel lucky to come on board.”

Demetriou has yet to feature as a player during pre-season for the Shrimpers and cannot be registered at this stage due to the club’s transfer embargo.

But he seems unlikely to hang up his boots – despite his new role.

“I’ll keep as fit as I can,” said Demetriou.

“Obviously with the embargo we have at the moment we’re only allowed a certain number of players but we’ll see what happens once that’s lifted.”