SOUTHEND United begin their preparations for next season at their Boots & Laces training ground this morning with the players reporting in for fitness testing.

But Blues boss Phil Brown is not sure if those who have yet to put pen to paper on a new deal will be in attendance.

“It’s entirely their shout,” said Brown.

“The ones we’ve offered deals to, if they don’t come to training then it’s a sign they have other deals on the table and want to be elsewhere.

“I understand it and that they have negotiations to be had. I’m happy with the six players we’ve signed and those we’ve retained as well. But if people like (Timothee) Dieng and Elvis (Bwomono) do show up then it’s a sign they’re committed to their own fitness regimes.

“I think it would be foolish for them not to turn up but I’m not their agent. I guarantee their agent will be in their ear telling them other things.

“But at the same time I’d like to think we haven’t done anything untoward to the likes of Elvis and Timothee Dieng and that they might show some kind of willingness with regards to the first day back.”