SOUTHEND United midfielder Alan McCormack believes the Shrimpers' pre-season schedule will take on extra importance this year.

Steve Tilson's side face a flurry of friendlies -with the first coming at Witham Town this Saturday.

And McCormack also wants Blues to banish any thoughts of last term's relegation during their warm up fixtures.

"Pre-season friendlies are normally about fitness but it's different this year," said the tough tackler.

"If we go out, play well and get a few goals then we will go into the league season full of confidence," said McCormack.

"But we don't want to play badly and then start off badly in the league as well so I think it's an important time for us and we need to do well, especially after last season's disappointment."

The Seasiders kick off against their friendlies at Ryman Division One North Witham this weekend.

And, after two weeks of fitness work, McCormack cannot wait to start playing again.

"We're all looking forward to it because we want to play the games," said the 23-year-old.

"We came back in to training last week and it's been hard because we knew we faced a fortnight of running.

"But this week it's been a bit easier because of the match on Saturday and from here on in hopefully we shall be doing a bit more work with the ball because that's what we all prefer."

Blues are still training in Basildon ahead of the new League One campaign which kicks off in just over a month's time against Leyton Orient.

McCormack will again be a key figure in the side and is confident of pushing for promotion.

"With the group of players we have here I think we have every chance," he said.

"Last year we showed we were good enough to play in the Championship. We beat some very good teams but in the end we just gave ourselves too much of a mountain to climb during the second half of the season and we couldn't quite do it.

"But we have some good players and, although losing Freddy Eastwood is a massive blow, we still have seven strikers who all bring something different to the table.

"Hopefully a partnership can be formed and they can chip in with the goals we need."

McCormack will be another looking to make a good impression during his first full season with the club.

But he insists it is just a coincidence he has been handed the number 16 shirt which was worn by his hero - former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane - during his career.

"I had nothing to do with it, it was just the number I was given," said McCormack.

"I would rather be number six or eight but that was never going to happen because that's Adam Barrett and Kevin Maher."

"I don't really mind what I wear though. Numbers are just for the crowd and it's how you play that matters the most."