SOUTHEND United’s under 18 side are stepping up their preparations for the forthcoming campaign.
The Shrimpers youngsters started pre-season training last week and were beaten 2-1 by Ipswich Town in their first warm up fixture on Saturday.
But Blues coach Danny Heath - who had his squad training along the seafront yesterday - is pleased with how the new look squad is shaping up.
“The boys came back in at the start of July and have been working hard ever since,” said Heath.
“The first couple of days were testing and Luke Wakeling the strength and conditioning coach was happy with the shape everyone came back in.
“Training has been quite varied since then with some high tempo stuff working for set periods of time while other sessions have been more tactical looking at how we want to play this season.”
Blues have eight new scholars in their squad this season.
And Heath was happy with how they all performed against Ipswich.
“Both teams played a different 11 in each half and the match was played at a tempo you don’t often see at under 18s level in pre-season,” said Heath.
“It was good to watch and there were plenty of positives but there was also plenty to work on too which is what we’re doing.”
The Shrimpers youth team are next in action tomorrow as they take on Aveley College at the Parkside Stadium.
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