ONE swallow doesn’t make a summer as they say and one success does certainly not make a season for Southend United.

But such was the manner and magnitude of Southend United’s 2-1 victory against title favourites Blackburn Rovers on Saturday it was hard not to head home from the opening day triumph without feeling excited about what might lie in store for Phil Brown’s side this term.

Blues went into the weekend on the back of a mixed pre-season which had seen defenders Ben Coker and Michael Turner suffer injury blows and star performer Ryan Leonard facing speculation surrounding his future.

That seemingly left the Shrimpers short of numbers and it was therefore tough to predict their fortunes, especially against a tough looking Blackburn team who are being hotly tipped to make an immediate return to the Championship.

But, despite those high hopes, Tony Mowbray’s side were blown away by a dominant Blues side during a first half display which was arguably the best for several seasons.

The home side won their battles all across the pitch and deservedly took the lead when Leonard volleyed home a right wing corner from Michael Timlin.

Leonard’s future has been among the main talking points this summer for Southend after both Sheffield United and Millwall had offers of £500,000 rejected by the Roots Hall hierarchy despite the midfielder entering the final year of his contract.

Leonard had also made it clear he was keen to be given the chance to play at a higher level but there could be no denying his commitment at the weekend.

Some players in his situation may have opted to shy away from physical confrontation, especially with the transfer window remaining open until the end of the month.

But that was certainly not the case with Leonard as he flew into a number of tough tackles and again displayed the energy levels which have attracted interest from elsewhere.

However, Leonard was not alone in catching the eye against Blackburn.

Michael Kightly shone brightly down the left hand side, with his creative qualities and work-rate playing a pivotal part in the win, while Jermaine McGlashan also impressed on the opposite flank.

But perhaps most impressive of all was John White, an often unsung hero, who produced a solid, no nonsense display at the heart of the back four.

White – who has played most of his career as a full-back – lined up centrally alongside Anton Ferdinand due to Turner being injured and recent acquisition Rob Kiernan not yet ready to be involved.

But, such was White’s dominance at the weekend, it looked like he had played at centre-back throughout his career and if that performance can consistently be replicated then he thoroughly deserves an extended run in the starting line-up.

Too often last season White would perform admirably only to drop back down to the bench when a more illustrious name regained full fitness.

Yet Saturday showed White can be a key component of the team this term and his form could well cause boss Brown a selection headache in the months ahead.

The Shrimpers chief was keen to strengthen his defensive options this summer following Adam Thompson’s decision to depart.

But it could well be that White - who was already in his squad - could emerge as a key component of the back four.

However, as impressive as he and his team-mates were at the weekend it remains important not to get carried away.

An opening day victory does not automatically result in a successful season and two of the Shrimpers’ last three promotions have come following defeat in their first fixture.

But, after an incredibly slow start to last term, Saturday was an important three points and an early indicator of what the Shrimpers are capable of producing.

It also made their first clash with Blackburn in 25 years one to remember, but plenty of hard work lies in store if Blues are to make the entire season one to also stay in the memory.