SOUTHEND United have flown out to Spain to begin their pre-season preparations.

The Shrimpers left Southend Airport this morning and will be spending the next week in Malaga.

And Blues boss Phil Brown is looking forward to getting started.

"Everyone has been on their travels and holidays but they are still a tight knit group and it's good to see everyone back together again," said Brown.

"It’s an exciting time but there will be a lot of hard work going on in Spain.

"It’s not a jolly up, it’s going to be intense training.

"The facilities are first class out there and we might have a game behind closed doors when we’re out there too."