SOUTHEND United will today report back in for the start of pre-season training.

Blues' players have followed their own personal fitness programmes throughout the summer.

But the intensity of the work is about to be increased.

“This is an important time of year and it's important we get it right,” said the club's strength and conditioning coach Lawrence Bloom.

“The players have had a long break now and the first couple of days back in we will be testing them to find out their level of fitness.

“It will soon become apparent who put the work in during the summer and who didn't but at least we know a bit more about the players this season.”

Last year, planning pre-season proved difficult for Bloom as 17 signings were made at various stages of the summer.

That made it hard to get the squad fighting fit but there will be no such problems this time around.

“Having the players here from the start will make a massive difference and hopefully we will see that as the season unfolds,” said Bloom.

“Last year we had to be quite gentle with the players because we weren't sure about how easily they would get injured.

“But we have a year's worth of records now and can get things right.

“We will also be varying things up for them as well and that will include a few boxing sessions at TSG down in Westcliff.

“That will work different areas of their bodies but will still give them a really good work-out.”

Bloom, 29, will again also be using plenty of technology in a bid to get the squad in top shape.

Their hydration levels will be regularly tested to avoid dehydration and the players will also wear heart-monitors to reveal how hard they are working and how quickly they recover.

“It's important to stay on top of the current trends because sport science changes all the time,” said Bloom.

“But I think we do very well for the level we're at.”

Blues will face 10 days of solid training before playing their first friendly at Dartford on Monday July 11.