JACK Wood will be back in familiar surroundings for the start of Southend United’s pre-season schedule on Saturday.

The Shrimpers head to Southern League Premier South side Kings Langley for their first friendly of the summer.

And Wood is looking forward to facing his former side who he left to join Blues in January.

“It will be nice to go back,” said Wood.

“I haven’t been back since I joined Southend so it will be good to see the manager and the players who I’m still in contact with and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Wood made five substitute appearances for Blues last season.

But the 19-year-old is now keen to kick on and feature far more regularly.

“I knew I wouldn’t play as much when I joined but I want to try and get into the gaffer’s thoughts for this year now,” said Wood.

“I feel like I’ve stepped up since I’ve come here and I want to show I’m ready for this season now.”

However, Wood will forever be grateful for the part Kings Langley played in his career.

“The first team manager Chris Cummins brought me in when I was 17 and put his trust in me straight away,” said Wood.

“I started the first game and it was tough going straight into men’s football like that.

“But with his help and development I was able to adjust it.

“As the seasons went on I was getting better and more used to it and that’s what helped me with coming to Southend.”

READ MORE

>Norwich goalkeeper trains with Blues 

>Could Sim Akinola still have future with Southend?

>Shrimpers striker to miss start of the season