John White: Southend United defender to have testimonial after signing new deal

John White played 31 times this season for Southend

Southend United centre-back John White is to have a testimonial after signing a new one-year contract with the club.

The former Colchester defender, 34, has made 266 appearances for the Shrimpers, who were relegated from League Two this season, since joining in 2013.

White's testimonial game will be played at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

"It's a huge honour to be able to get that and it's not something that I ever pictured in my head," White told the Southend website.

Manager Phil Brown has released eight players - including veteran midfielder Alan McCormack - while goalkeeper Mark Oxley, full-back Elvis Bwomono, midfielder Timothee Dieng and winger Ricky Holmes are among the other players who have been offered new deals.

Ex-Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest utility man Greg Halford will also have discussions over his future.

Southend retained list

Under contract: John White, Nathan Ferguson, Harry Phillips, Lewis Gard, Miles Mitchell-Nelson, Eren Kinali, Simeon Akinola, Ashley Nathaniel-George, Louis Walsh

Club took option on extending contract: Reiss Chandler (turning professional), Jon Benton, Tom Clifford, Terrell Egbri, Rob Howard, Matt Rush, Harry Seaden, O'Shane Stewart

Offered contract: Elvis Bwomono, Jason Demetriou, Tim Dieng, Sam Hart, Shaun Hobson, Ricky Holmes, Mark Oxley

In negotiations: Greg Halford

Released: Emile Acquah, Brandon Goodship, Harry Kyprianou, Alan McCormack, Jacob Mellis, Richard Taylor, Michael Klass, Ide Osimeh

Returning to parent club: Tyler Cordner, Kyle Taylor, Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, James Olayinka