GRAHAM Coughlan is thrilled to be staying at Southend United.

The Irishman has put pen to paper on a two-year deal to remain as player-coach at Roots Hall.

And he is looking forward to continuing his work.

“I’m glad everything has been sorted and that I’m staying because I genuinely believe next season could be a successful one for us,” said Coughlan, 36.

“Working in football is the best job in the world and we have a great group to work with here, so I’m excited about next season.”

Coughlan is expected to concentrate more on the coaching side of things next term and will again take charge of the reserve team.

Last year he combined that with playing 35 times at the heart of the Blues back four.

And that shocked both the player and Southend manager Paul Sturrock.

“I think at 36 he would be the first to admit that he played more than he was expecting but he did a good job,” said Sturrock.

“He put in consistent performances and his experience is invaluable to the players around him, so I’m delighted he’s staying.

“The squad really respect him and his assistance on the training ground during the second half of last season was first class.”