SOUTHEND United youth coach Dave Huzzey is excited to see the latest batch of Shrimpers starlets in action this season.

Blues’ under-18 side kick-off their new campaign at Barnet this weekend.

And Huzzey cannot wait to get underway.

“We’re really excited and everyone is really looking forward to getting started,” said Huzzey.

“I think pre-season has shown there are opportunities for younger lads to step in so it’s everyone in the academy who is excited and we’re aiming for another good season.”

Last season saw midfielder Dru Yearwood and goalkeeper Nathan Bishop become regular members of the first team matchday squad.

But Huzzey is out to secure more of the same this time around.

“Last year was probably our most successful year in terms of getting players through to the first team,” said Huzzey.

“Having a second year scholar starting week in, week out and another one on the bench will be hard to beat but I think we can do it.

“Our aim is to get players in and around the 23s on a consistent basis and then into the first team squad.

“But, as a group, we also want to try and win our league and go further in the FA Youth Cup as well.”

And, in a bid to help make that happen, the players have been put through their paces during a tough pre-season schedule.

“It’s been a very positive pre-season,” said Huzzey.

“The games we’ve had have been excellent and the majority of them have been against category one sides.

“We’ve played West Ham, Brighton, Reading and we’ve played Millwall as well, so there have been plenty of different styles we’ve been up against.”

And Blues were also boosted by a stint training at Five Lakes in Colchester.

“The week away was excellent and we owe the Shrimpers Trust a huge thanks for that,” said Huzzey.

“Without the time, effort and money they put into the academy we wouldn’t be as successful and this is another good group we’ve got.

“Quite a few of the new group have come right the way through the academy so they know what the club is all about.”

And that includes highly-rated striker Charlie Kelman.

“Charlie has come in like a whirlwind and he has a great work-rate. He was in for 40 minutes before 8.30am yesterday to work on his finishing,” added Huzzey.