SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is already looking forward to playing Gillingham twice in quick succession at the start of next season.

Blues host the Gills on the opening day of the League One campaign before also facing Justin Edinburgh’s side at Roots Hall just three days later in the first round of the League Cup.

But Brown is far more concerned about the league clash and bouncing back from a disappointing end to last season which saw Southend lose their last five games.

“It’s strange how it’s worked out and that we’re playing Gillingham twice in such a short space of time but obviously the league game is more important,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“If you were to offer me one win from the two games then I would certainly want it to be in the first match because we want to get our league season off to a good start after how we ended last season.

“It’s a great game to kick off the season with and I’m sure the crowd will be close to 10,000, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s something of a local derby and I’m sure it’s one the players will be thinking about a lot during pre-season training, which is not far away now.”

Blues drew both of their games with Gillingham 1-1 last season.

And Brown is expecting two more tricky tests against the Kent club who finished just outside the play-offs last season.

“Gillingham are a very strong side and up until about February time last season they looked like they were going to get automatic promotion, so I’m sure they will be strong again this year,” said Brown.

“They faded away a bit towards the end, just like we did and we’re probably similar sized clubs with the similar size budgets.

“I know we’re in the market for the same kind of players at the moment, so I’m sure it’s certainly an interesting way to start the season.

“There are some big games coming up early in the season with a trip to Sheffield United third up, so there’s plenty to be excited about.”