Echo:

BEN Coker joked Wednesday's friendly with Aberdeen could act as a breather for Blues - given the tough nature of their training.

The Shrimpers are being put through their paces in Spain by manager Chris Powell and his backroom team.

And Coker is finding it hard going.

“It’s tough and I think we have double sessions every day other than Wednesday when we have the game so that could be a bit of a breather really,” said the left-back.

“We’ve been doing technical work in the morning and running in the afternoon and it’s been hard just like it always is at this time of year.

“But you have to put the work in and I think it’s that which brings the group together.

“You’re all going through the running together and you’re all feeling the same.”

Six new signings have made the trip to Spain with the Shrimpers along with trialist right-back Ben Mundele.

And Coker feels the trip will enable them to settle into their new surroundings far quicker.

“It’s always good to come away and build up that camaraderie which is important,” said the defender.

“We have some new signings so it’s good for them but they seem like a great group so they’re settling in really well already.

“Throughout the week we’ll be having them sing but we’re spreading them out and at the moment we’ve only had the new staff members singing so that’s something to look forward to.”

But Coker is also excited to make the forthcoming campaign a successful one.

“There’s only one aim for us this season and that’s promotion,” said Coker.

“We finished last season well and the manager has made some good signings too but we know it’s going to be tough.”

Blues rose from just above the relegation zone to finish 10th under the guidance of Powell last season.

And Coker wants to play a key part in continuing that progress.

“My own aim is to play every game this season,” said the defender, who suffered injury setbacks last term.

“I’ve worked hard in the off season and I feel good so I want to be playing regularly.”