SOUTHEND Saxons' director of rugby Chris Green is plotting an improved season for his side.

Southend get their National Two South season underway against Redruth at Warners Bridge this weekend.

And Green wants the Saxons to finish higher than the eighth place they secured last term.

“We’re always out to improve and get better so our target is to finish above where we did last year,” said Green.

“After that we will try to push on and do the best we can but we’ve been striving to do things better off the pitch and now we want to do it on it as well.”

However, the Saxons will be in for a tough test against Redruth who finished just one place and eight points below them last season.

Southend beat them 22-0 at Warners Bridge in January but were beaten 38-7 away from home.

And Green is expecting a difficult opening game.

“The first game of the season is always hard and Redruth are a tough side to play against,” said the head of rugby.

“They were quite close to us in last season’s table so it’s a good early gauge of where we’re at.

“Pre-season has been a little bit disjointed but we’ve worked hard and we’re looking forward to getting out there for the first game.”

Southend have a number of injury concerns ahead of the game though with winger Danny Cleare and full-back Mark Billings both extremely doubtful.

Prop forward Todd Bailey is also unavailable but Green will be able to call on new scrum Lester Pollard who is expected to make his competitive debut for the club.

Sam Nash, who can play either on the wing or at centre, is also back fit and winger Dave Scupham is in contention.

Star summer signing Kris Chesney will be selected in the pack and the former Saracens man is also expected to be named as the club’s new captain.