SOUTHEND United’s players are being put through their paces by manager Phil Brown back at their Boots & Laces base.

After a five-day spell of warm-weather training in Spain, the Shrimpers returned to Southend yesterday – working both on the pitch and in the gym.

And Brown remains pleased by the shape the squad are in.

“For this time of the year the lads look very sharp and have been working very hard,” said the Blues boss.

“It was good to start the games at Tottenham on Saturday and we will be gradually start to build things up.

“We have three games in four days coming up and we will look to get the players on pitch for up to an hour in those matches.”

Blues head to Great Wakering Rovers tomorrow night before travelling to Braintree Town on Friday and hosting West Ham United at Roots Hall on Saturday.