Ryan Leonard signs new contract with Southend United

Defensive midfielder Ryan Leonard has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Southend United.

The 21-year-old, who moved to Southend from Plymouth Argyle in 2011, has been one of the League Two outfit's most impressive performers this season.

"I'm delighted to have signed a new contract because I've really enjoyed my time with Southend," he told the club's official website.

"I've had the best season of my career so far and have managed to keep my place in the starting line-up in a position I only really moved to under the new manager in the summer.

"I want to continue my development and I feel that Southend United is the perfect place for me to do that."

Leonard will be contracted with the Shrimpers until at least 2017.