Southend United defender Damon Searle hopes to sign a new deal with the Shrimpers before the end of this week.

The 30-year-old left-back is due to meet Blues boss Rob Newman and club owner Ron Martin for advanced contract talks over the next few days.

And the Welshman, who clocked up a century of Southend appearances at the weekend, said he was confident that an agreement with the club could be rubber-stamped soon.

"We are very close to agreeing a deal and I'm hopeful that I'll still be at Roots Hall next season," said Searle yesterday.

"Blues have put an offer on the table and there isn't a great deal of difference to be resolved.

"But I need to sit down with the powers that be and talk about one or two things before signing the deal.

"I'm very settled here and live in the town with my family in Westcliff. I don't really want to move, I've done enough of that over the last few years, and I'm hoping everything will work itself out."

And Searle defended the three contract rebels -- goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, centre-half Leon Cort and midfield Player of the Season Kevin Maher -- who have turned down new terms.

"Darryl, Leon and Kevin got a bit of stick off the fans during Saturday's draw with Rochdale, which I thought was a bit unfair," he added.

Norwich City defender Lewis Blois, who has been on trial at Roots Hall, has been sent back to Carrow Road.

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Published Wednesday, March 13, 2002