SIMON Cox insists he is out to rebuild his career at Southend United.

The former Reading striker has joined the Shrimpers on a two-year-deal, subject to a medical.

And the 29-year-old is keen to get himself back on track after a frustrating couple of seasons.

“In the last two years my career has taken a hit and I’ve been more of a squad player than a starter which I want to change,” said Cox.

“I want to play here and score goals while playing with a smile on my face again.

“I want to help the youngsters at the club the manager has told me about because I’ve been around a bit now bit this about rebuilding my career.

“I enjoyed being at the clubs I’ve been at but my last 90 minutes was against Middlesbrough in April and before that it was 18 months ago which isn’t good enough.

“I’ll be going out to play regularly here and I want to be scoring goals again too.”

Cox – who flew out to Spain with his new Shrimpers team-mates yesterday - struggled to hold down a regular start slot at Reading last season.

But he still maintains an impressive striking ratio, mainly due to a prolific spell at Swindon Town.

And he is now seeking more of the same with Southend who he opted to join after getting on well with Blues boss Phil Brown during transfer talks.

“I met the manager at a lovely service station, there was no pressure but we just got on which is important to me,” said Cox.

“I like to know I’m going to get on with a manager and I liked everything he said.

“He’s been my best mate for the last week or so because we’ve been speaking every day but I just wanted to get here as soon as possible to get fit and be around football surroundings again.

“But the manager is a massive factor in me coming here.”

Cox – who has been transferred for a total of £3.7million in his career – will now be looking to rediscover his match sharpness during the remainder of pre-season.

But he does already feel in good shape.

“I had my holidays early and I haven’t stopped going to the gym since then,” said Cox.

“Going to the gym and going for runs is fine but you need that match sharpness from footballing movements.

“Hopefully I’ll get that back in the next couple of weeks and I’ll be putting in as much work as possible.”