LEFT-BACK Ben Coker is one of eight players to have been released by Southend United.

The defender, who has been heavily linked with a switch to Lincoln City, has been with Blues since 2013.

But, after being out since October with a cruciate ligament injury he has not been offered a new deal after informing the club of his decision to leave at the end of his contract

Goalkeepers Ted Smith and Josh Bexon have also been released along with strikers Amadou Ba and Norman Wabo, midfielder Renei Batlokwa and defenders Michael Turner and Stephen Hendrie.

Dan Humphreys, Joe MacKenzie and Sewa Marah have all been released after their academy contracts expired.

However, defender John White has been offered a new contract to remain at Roots Hall while youngsters Emile Acquah, Eren Kinali and Zak Pianim have all been handed academy offers.

Harry Phillips, Lewis Gard, Michael Klass, San Barratt, Tom Clifford and Rob Howard have all had an extra year clause triggered on their contracts.