TOM Phillippe is keen to shine as Southend & EMT skipper this season.

Phillippe has taken over from Joe Robbins at the Premier Division club.

And he is proud to be taking charge despite facing the daunting challenge of starting the season with a 25 point deduction.

“It’s a privilege to be skipper,” said Phillippe.

“The time was right for me to take it on but it’s going to be a serious challenge.”

Southend just avoided relegation in their first Premier Division campaign last time around.

And Phillippe says Southend again have survival on their minds ahead of the new campaign.

“Going into the season our main aim is to stay up,” said Phillippe.

“We have the squad to do it but we are starting on minus 25 points due to failing to fill in a form correctly so it’s going to be a big challenge.

“But it’s one we’re up for and we’re looking forward to the challenge too.”

Southend start the new season at home to Brentwood on Saturday.

But Phillippe expects the division to be even tougher this time around.

“The season will be more difficult as each team has become stronger in my opinion,” said Phillippe.

“Also, starting on minus 25 is not great so it’s going to be a uphill battle but we are looking forward to it.

“We won’t be shying away from anything and we want to get pick up as many points as we can, starting this weekend.”

However, Phillippe is expecting a difficult afternoon against Brentwood in the opening encounter of the new campaign.

“Brentwood will be a tough start but a good test for where we are so it will be interesting too,” said Phillippe.

“After an awful performance in the cup last week we need to put it behind us and start again.

“It’s very important we get off to a good start this year to show we mean business.”

Southend were beaten by eight wickets against Belhus in the League Cup last time out.

But Phillippe is confident the club’s new signings will soon prove their worth.

“We have plenty of new signings,” said Phillippe.

“Charlie Lockhart, Alex Hatton from Westcliff, Lewis Wright, Arafat Bhuiyan and Azlan Bhuiyan have come from the Kent League, plus Carl Lees and Scott Simmons from Rettendon.

“I’m sure they will do well and we’re pleased to have them.”