SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is running the rule over Braintree Town striker Dan Holman.

The 24-year-old, inset, bagged 13 goals in the Conference for the Iron last season.

And he has now joined the Shrimpers for pre-season training.

“Dan is someone we’re having a look at during pre-season and he was in yesterday for our first day back,” confirmed Blues boss Phil Brown.

“He has been training with Ben Coker during the summer and Ben gave me a ring to tell me Dan was absolutely flying and that we should have a look at him.

“I also saw Dan play a couple of times last season and thought he did well too.

“He’s shown he can score goals at that level so he’s coming in and we will be looking at him to decide if he should come out to Spain with us.”

Echo:

Blues players back in training yesterday

Holman joined the rest of the Shrimpers squad for the first day of pre-season training yesterday.

And Brown was delighted to back among his players.

“There was a real buzz among the players and backroom staff and I was very happy with everything,” said Brown. “The players were in good shape but it’s all very scientific now and long gone are the days of just running round the field for ages.

“The footballs will be out again today and I’m sure the lads will all be very happy about that.”