Three players sign on for Blues

Southend have announced that Lee Barnard, Paul Smith and Jack Payne have extended their contracts at Roots Hall.

Striker Lee Barnard have agreed a one year deal that ends in January 2015. The forward originally joined on a six-month loan deal from Southampton.

Paul Smith has also agreed a one-year extension to his contract. The goalkeeper joined the Blues in August 2012 from Middlesbrough, with a two-year deal.

Jack Payne is the third player who has signed on at Roots Hall, signing a one-year deal with an option of a further one year with the Shrimpers.

It has been announced that defender Julian Bennett will not be returning to Roots Hall for the 2014-15 campaign. The Nottingham-born left back joined the Blues in 2013 from Sheffield Wednesday after being on loan at Shrewsbury Town.