MARK Oxley insists he stayed at Southend United to be part of a promotion push this season.

The Shrimpers improved during the second half of the previous campaign to finish 10th in the League One standings.

But goalkeeper Oxley - who signed a new three year deal in the summer - has set his sights far higher this time around.

“I wouldn’t have signed here if we were just going to be a mediocre team,” said Oxley, who had been tracked by clubs in the Championship before agreeing to stay at Roots Hall.

“I signed here again knowing what the manager is all about and how much of a lift he gave the place last season.

“He’s now brought in good players and I imagine he will want to bring in a few more.

“We want to go one better than last year and get in the play-offs if not higher but for that to happen we have to be more consistent.”

Oxley shone for the Shrimpers last term and swept the board at the end of season awards.

But he is firmly focused on the team’s targets.

“The team comes first but if I can help them like I did last season then I’ll be happy,” said Oxley.

“But it’s about the team and we want top six this year, if not higher.”

With that in mind, Blues have been working hard in pre-season with Oxley enduring his own tough regime.

“The other lads will tell you it’s easier but it’s different what keepers do,” said the 27-year-old.

“Some managers will want you to join in with everything and others don’t.

“It’s a different kind of fitness but we’ve still been working hard and it’s been good to get the gloves back on.

“It was a very tough week in Spain and we had double sessions every day we were there but now we’re looking forward to the games we have coming up and the start of the season.”

Blues have now played three of their pre-season friendlies and host Championship club Leeds United at Roots Hall on Sunday, a game Oxley is keen to take part in.

“I’m a Yorkshire lad so I know Leeds have a good following and I wouldn’t be surprised if they brought a few down,” said Oxley.

“It’s a different test to what we’ve had so far and it will be good to come up against a good team.”

l SOUTHAMPTON’S under-21 team have been added to Blues’ group in the Checkatrade Trophy.

The group also includes Cambridge United and Colchester United.