SOUTHEND United will host Championship side Ipswich Town in their first home game of their pre-season campaign.

Mick McCarthy will bring the Tractor Boys to Roots Hall on Tuesday, July 29 (kick-off 7:45pm).

Ipswich flirted with the play-offs in the Championship last season before missing out by just one point, finishing in ninth place.

Ticket details for the game will be announced by the club shortly.

Southend's first team will have played two away friendlies by the time McCarthy's men visit Southend, with trips to local non-league sides Great Wakering Rovers (Saturday July 12) and Billericay Town (Tuesday July 15).

A Blues development side will play Concord Rangers on Wednesday, July 23.