SOUTHEND United will be putting their back in to trying to win promotion from League Two this season after teaming up with a new chiropractor.

Jon Hicks will be treating the Shrimpers squad every week in a bid to keep them injury free and in peak condition.

And the 24-year-old is relishing the opportunity to work with Phil Brown's side.

“My role is to treat players that are constantly prone to back and neck pain or pick up acute injuries throughout the season,” explained Hicks, who also runs the BackWorks clinic in Southend.

“The ultimate aim is to prevent any missed matches or training sessions due to non contact back and neck pain.

“Having always wanted to work with a professional sports team and Blues being my local team, the decision to get involved was easy.

“The experience of working with the players and the other health professionals that support them has been great and I'm really enjoying being involved.”

Hicks visits the Boots & Laces training ground at least once a week and players have also been sent to his clinic if they need to be seen urgently.

He works closely with the club's physiotherapist Ben Clarkson and their aim is to reduce non contact injuries in the squad.

“As a chiropractor I am a back and neck specialist and I bring a specific skill to the team providing health care and helping to prevent spinal injuries,” explained Hicks.

“Working closely with the physiotherapists, strength and conditioning trainers and sports therapists at the club means the players are provided with chiropractic treatment as part of their comprehensive treatment.

“It also means we can each do what we do best and there's a really good set up to help get the best out of the players on the pitch.”

Hicks also works with the players at Southend Rugby Club.