SOUTHEND United have continued their pre-season preparations by heading out to Spain.

The Shrimpers flew from Southend Airport early this morning.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is certain the trip will be of huge benefit.

“We’re out there until Friday and it will allow us to get a lot of good quality work done in a short space of time,” said Brown.

“We saw from the training game we had on Saturday that we need to work on the defensive side of things and that’s what we will be doing.

“Obviously the fitness work will continue and it’s a great way for Mark Oxley and Simon Cox – who have only just joined – to settle in with the group as well.

Brown has also decided to take trialist defenders Jakub Sokolik and William Edjenguele to Spain along with striker Ronan Murray.

Nile Ranger, who is with Blues until at least the end of the month, has also travelled.

And Brown believes the trip will enable him to develop a greater understanding of the trialists.

“By the time we come back from Spain I will know their power, speed, fitness and mentality which are all very important,” said Brown.

“They all showed positive signs in the game on Saturday and Ronan popped up with another goal.

“He’s scored in every game he’s had for us so far and we will be making a decision on him and the others when we get back from Spain.”

And the trialists look set to be lining up in another game during their spell abroad.

“We’re working on getting a match sorted and at the moment it seems as though we could be playing against the Gibraltar national team in a behind closed doors game on Wednesday,” said Brown.

“That would be another good work-out and would also break the week up.”

Former Watford midfielder Tom Rosenthal remains on trial with Blues despite not travelling to Spain and he could line up for the under 21s at Concord Rangers on Tuesday night.

However, former Dundee United defender Gavin Gunning is no longer on trial and will not be offered a deal by Blues.