SOUTHEND Saxons’ director of rugby Josh Ward is plotting a successful future for the club, despite this season’s relegation.

Southend ended their London & SE Premier Division campaign with a 34-17 defeat at Sidcup on Saturday.

But Ward is determined to make sure next season is far more successful.

“We’re already in talks with people for next season and our sights immediately turn towards that now,” said Ward, who recently took over as director of rugby at Warners Bridge.

“We won’t make panic signings and we’ll get good people who will buy into what we want to achieve here.

“I describe this as a project but every project has to start somewhere and that’s where we find ourselves at the moment.

“We all know Southend is a club with a big history and reputation and we’re all very honoured to be a part of that.

“It’s a good place to be still and people are enjoying what we’re doing in training and on a Saturday but we want to go and make our own history now.”

And Ward was also boosted by Southend’s second half display at the weekend.

“In the first half we were very passive but in the second half we showed great character,” added Ward.

Southend Saxons: Navas, Radzevicius, Short, Vaughan, McVeigh, Dobson, O’Brien, Wagstaff, Morrison, Read, Newton, Wood, Bailey, Forster-Knight, Reeman

Replacements: Robinson, Campbell-Webster & Waskett