MICHAEL Turner insists he will remember his two-year spell at Southend United with great fondness.

The 35-year-old centre-back has not been offered a new deal with the Shrimpers.

But Turner will depart with mostly good memories.

“Obviously the season just gone was a bit up and down but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed my two years at the club,” said the defender.

“I’m so pleased we were able to stay up on the final day of the season by the skin of our teeth really and that game with Sunderland will live long in my memory to be honest.

“In truth, it was a poor season for us and I was quite inconsistent but we managed to stay up and I wish the club well for the future now.”

Turner was signed by former Blues boss Phil Brown in the summer of 2017.

Brown made way for Chris Powell the following January and his first game in charge, a 3-2 win against Scunthorpe United, is one Turner will also always remember.

“The Scunthorpe game and the Sunderland one are the two big highlights for me,” said Turner, who scored a stoppage time winner against the Iron at Roots Hall.

“It was Chris Powell’s first game in charge and it was a nice feeling to get the winner right at the end.

“We finished the season well and I think everyone thought we would build on that but last season didn’t go how any of us had hoped.”

Turner - who had previously played for Brentford, Hull City, Sunderland and Norwich City - also made the 500th appearance of his career while with the Shrimpers last season.

The centre-back played 26 times during his first campaign with the club, which was initially delayed by a calf problem.

Turner followed that up by playing a further 39 times last term but remains determined to add to that tally next season after stressing he is not yet ready to hang up his boots.