SOUTHEND Saxons are aiming to pack a punch in London One North next season.

The Saxons - who have teamed up with the ABC gym for pre-season training - were relegated from the London & SE Premier Division last term.

But newly appointed director of rugby Josh Ward is remaining upbeat and is looking forward to what lies ahead.

“It’s an exciting time for the club,” said Ward.

“We have a great opportunity to review the club internally and how we process everything. We’ve started pre-season now too and the boys have been great. We’ve been straight back in and we will build week in, week out and work up to the first pre-season game.”

Ward, who was already in the coaching set up at Southend, has been busy bolstering the Saxons squad this summer.

And he is pleased to have added more strength in depth.

“We needed to build a squad and not just have a good 18,” said Ward.

“That was a huge struggle for us last year but we have a really good blend now. We have Chris Vaughan, Harry Branch and Nik Grier, guys who know the club.

“We’ve blended that in with some youth and people in their prime too.

“Everyone wants to be part of what we’re doing but we still have a couple more to come in.”

And that means Ward cannot wait the forthcoming campaign to get underway.

“I’m hugely ambitious and so are the staff,” said Ward.

“The finer detail we will keep in house but we go into every game wanting to win.

“There’s no settling for where we are. I have the perception that Southend is a National League club but every club goes through transition. Small clubs tend to sink and big clubs tend to swim and it’s our job to make sure we swim.”

With that in mind, Southend have been working hard throughout pre-season.

And Ward has taken the team to Eastwood’s ABC gym to improve their condition.

“It’s a great opportunity and we’ll be utilising the excellent facilities throughout the season,” said Ward.

“We’re grateful for this opportunity.”

And ABC gym owner Jerry East is also pleased to be able to help the club.

“I spoke to the staff and we realised we could be of use to them,” said East.

“It’s my club too and it’s great they’re going to be improving strength wise more than in any other season.”