SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is still hoping to take his players to Spain in the build up to next season.

Brown is keen for his squad to train abroad as they prepare for the forthcoming League One campaign.

And he expects that to be happening in mid-July.

“As far as I’m concerned it’s all been sorted and we head out to Malaga on July 17th before coming back on the 22nd,” said Brown.

“It’s something we’ve done before all of the seasons I’ve had here and I think it definitely puts us in good stead.

“A change of scenery works wonders at that time of year, it enables you to get a lot of good work done and it’s great for the spirit of the squad as well.”

Blues will host a West Ham XI at Roots Hall a day after returning from Malaga.

But Brown is still planning for the Shrimpers to play in Spain.

“Things have changed a little bit because the West Ham game became available but we are still looking to play a match while we’re in Spain,” said the Blues boss.

“We’ve got a few options with Malaga and other teams nearby and hope to be able to sort out a behind closed doors game.”