SOUTHEND United youth coach Dave Huzzey believes Blues will boast another exciting under-18 side this season.

The Shrimpers’ youngsters began pre-season training yesterday.

And Huzzey feels the new look squad has what it takes to secure success in the months ahead.

“This is another really good batch,” said Huzzey.

“I’ve been lucky enough to see quite a lot of them and I’ve coached a lot of them too.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about them recently as well so it’s exciting times.”

The Shrimpers youngsters begin their pre-season campaign against Fulham this weekend.

And Huzzey is fully aware how important this time of year can prove to be.

“The longer I’ve been in the job the more I’ve realised the importance of pre-season and I think if you can start well now you’ve got a chance,” said Huzzey.

“We have new players coming into the group but the good thing is we have seven or eight boys coming in who know exactly what you expect from them and we have that every year because we already know them.

“A lot of the boys have already been here a long time too and they know what the football club expects, which helps.”

But Huzzey is determined to help the Shrimpers build on last season while also securing even more success.

“Last year was a successful season in terms of bringing players through,” said Huzzey.

“Dru Yearwood went into the first team and Elvis Bwomono, Nathan Bishop and Lewis Gard also played.

“That’s the ultimate aim and always will be but we want to be a bit more successful in the league as well.

“We’ve been second two years running now, but I think we need to go out to try and win it this time and also get a bit further in the FA Youth Cup.

“But the main aim is to get players in the first team.”