MICHAEL Timlin has committed his future to Southend United and revealed he never wanted to leave Roots Hall.

As was first revealed in Echosport, the Shrimpers midfielder has signed a two year to stay with the club.

And Timlin now wants to see out his career with Blues.

“I see myself staying at Southend long term and moving down into the area to make it my home,” said the 30-year-old.

“I can see myself living in the Leigh on Sea area and finishing my career here too.

“Ideally, I would also like to then become a coach at the club as well but all of that is a long way off and all I’m thinking about now is next season and making sure we continue to make progress.

“I’m extremely happy to be staying because I didn’t want to leave.”

Timlin starred during the run in to last season, performing heroics in the play-offs to ensure the Shrimpers were promoted from League Two.

The midfielder scored for Blues in the second leg of the play-off semi-final just four days after suffering a shocking clash of heads with Stevenage centre-back Bira Dembele.

And Timlin’s displays saw him attract interest from a whole host of clubs.

“It was my best ever summer in terms of teams wanting to sign me and I think there were about 13 or 14 in the end which was very flattering,” said Timlin.

“I normally have one or two so I think it was a reflection of the season I had and the success we had as a team.

“The chairman went above and beyond the call of duty to keep me by offering an incredible contract which includes the option of a third year and I feel as though the fans appreciate here too which means a lot.

“The club is going places after the promotion and I wouldn’t have been able to walk away from that.”

Timlin’s contract was finalised yesterday morning after another round of talks with boss Phil Brown and chairman Ron Martin on Wednesday.

But the midfielder insisted it was his honeymoon which held up the deal.

“I got married and went away from my honeymoon and I wanted to make sure I enjoyed it,” said the former Fulham trainee.

“It’s only going to happen once in my life so I told the club and my agent I only really wanted to talk once I got back.

“That’s exactly what happened and now I’m very excited about next season, especially with the quality signings the manager has lined up.”