SOUTHEND United will head out to southern Spain this Sunday for six days of warm weather training.

Phil Brown and his squad will be based in La Cala during their stay.

And the Shrimpers boss believes it will be of huge benefit for his players.

“It’s great that everything has been sorted because it’s hugely beneficial for us all,” said Brown.

“We fly from Southend Airport early on Sunday morning and will be back on the Friday to get ready for the West Ham game we have.

“We’ve done this in the past and it’s always worked really well.

“It’s good to get a change of scenery during pre-season and it’s also excellent for team bonding.

“We’re with each other 24/7 and that certainly helps the new signings settle in and get to know everyone in quite a short space of time.”

Summer signings Jermaine McGlashan and Jason Demetriou will both be on the trip, along with striker Nile Ranger, who is with the Shrimpers for at least a month as he strives to get his turbulent career back on track.

Brown could opt to take a couple of trialists with him to Spain with ex-Dundee United defender Gavin Gunning among those pushing for a deal.

And the Shrimpers chief is also trying to organise a behind-closed-doors game to be played.

“We’re still hoping to get a game sorted for when we’re out there,” said Brown. “Hamilton are training nearby to where we’re going to at the moment, so we could play them or maybe Malaga.

“I would rather play the Spanish side if I’m honest purely because they’re more used to the conditions and would give us more of a test. But we’ll certainly get a game out there if we can.”

Brown has yet to decide if Stephen McLaughlin, Anthony Wordsworth and Jack Bridge will make the trip as they continue to work their way back to fitness.