GREAT Wakering Rovers manager Dan Trenkel admits it will be huge for his side to face Southend United at Burroughs Park tonight.

The Ryman Division One North outfit begin their pre-season preparations by facing Phil Brown’s side.

And Trenkel really appreciates the Shrimpers making the trip to take on his team.

“This match is huge for us as a club,” said the Rovers boss.

“We always look forward to playing against Southend United and even more so after they have had a successful season.

“I think some Blues fans might not see the glamour in playing against us, but this really does prove that Blues are a community club.

“The finance we get from this game will go a long way and the players are really looking forward to testing themselves against quality individuals, especially with some of them being Blues fans themselves.”

Rovers had been due to start pre-season schedule with a clash against Ryman Premier League side Grays Athletic on Saturday but the match was called off the night before the game, much to Trenkel’s disappointment.

However, he now has his sights set on facing Southend and will include two new summer signings in his squad, striker Jacob Cleaver who joined from Cheshunt and former Tilbury centre-back Bradley Vaughan.

“Both of the new lads have fitted in really well which I’m really pleased about,” said Trenkel.

“We have also done really well to retain our whole squad from last year as the money flying around in our league is obscene at the moment.”

As a result, Trenkel feels Wakering will be in for another tough season.

But he is also keen to build on the progress which was made last term.

“The league will be extremely tough for us this year as a lot of money has come in to our league with the new teams,” said Trenkel.

“When Hornchurch sign the Ryman Premier League’s second top scorer it shows you a lot about the intent of the top sides.

“There will be 10 to 12 clubs this year who will believe they can win it.

“But for us I just want our players to show improvement and progression.

“We were very inconsistent last season and I want to see that they are taking on board what we are trying to teach them and show that they can move up the footballing ladder.

“There are a lot of boys with plenty of potential here and I just want them to maximise it because if everyone plays to their potential we will have a decent season.”

>Tickets for tonight’s game have been have been priced at £5 for all age groups.