SOUTHEND Saxons’ longest serving player Chris Vaughan is not sure what to expect from the club’s new look side this season.

The influential centre will kick off his 11th campaign with Southend at home to Sidcup this weekend.

But, following a huge turnaround in the squad since the end of last season, Vaughan is refusing to get carried away.

“We are not expecting too much this year considering there are a lot of new players and it’s a very young side,” said Vaughan.

“I think we have the potential to give any team a run for their money though so we will have to wait and see what happens.

“But we’re definitely looking forward to getting started.

“It’s been a great pre-season, we’ve had really good numbers to every session and it has been really tough but enjoyable.

“We have had two convincing wins against two decent sides so all round it’s been good and we’re hoping to take that into the league season now.”

However, Vaughan will be looking to carry out that aim alongside a number of new team-mates.

And the former King John School pupil has found it strange getting used to the changes.

“It’s been a bit weird at training with so many of last year’s team not there now,” said Vaughan.

“But all the newbies are really good lads and fitting in well so it’s been good.”

Vaughan is now hoping that will help to secure a good result in the first London & SE Premier Division game of the season.

But he is not sure what to expect from newly-promoted Sidcup at Warners Bridge on Saturday.

“With them being new to this league I have no idea what they are like,” said Vaughan.

“But I’m sure they will want to make a statement with a win in their first game in this league so I’m sure it’s going to be a tough game.”

However, Southend will also be looking to make a winning start and Vaughan will be eager to help make that happen after opting against taking a season-long break from the game.

“I was going to take a year out,” explained Vaughan.

“It was a combination of I felt my body needed a rest from playing rugby since the age of seven and the fact I’ve got a few other commitments this year that might mean I can’t make every game.

“But I’ve come to an agreement with Southend that works for both.”