SOUTHEND United skipper Nathan Ralph says the Shrimpers are ready to “give it a right go” this season.

Blues have started pre-season with back to back victories while off the pitch the consortium remain on track to complete their takeover of the club.

And Ralph is confident Kevin Maher’s side are in a good place ahead of the forthcoming National League campaign.

“It’s been nice to see a couple of new faces arriving and they’ve settled in really well,” said Ralph.

“They’ll be big additions for the squad and we’re definitely moving in the right direction.”

Ralph has endured a number of tough times since signing for the Shrimpers back in 2019.

But he believes those difficulties have brought the team closer together.

“We don’t want to have gone through what’s happened,” said Ralph.

“The fans don’t and no-one at the club does but if you can take positives from it then it has definitely made us close as a group.

“We’ve got a great group and it’s really good to be a part of.

“That’s credit to the recruitment and we’ll give it a really good go this year.”

Blues continued their preparations with a 2-1 win at Canvey Island on Tuesday night.

And Ralph was pleased to get back onto the pitch.

“It was nice to get more minutes,” said the defender.

“They’re a decent team to be fair and the young boys coming on at the end did well.

“It was good all round and we got the result too.

“I know it’s only pre-season but it was good and we got fitness from it too.

“Most of us did 45 minutes in the last game and 60 now so we’re feeling good.

“We’ll gradually build it up as we move forward and be ready for the first game of the season.”

The Shrimpers continue their preparations with a trip to Bishop’s Stortford this weekend.

The game could again see more of the club’s young players get onto the pitch.

And Ralph has been impressed by how the teenagers have performed in pre-season.

“It’s important for them to be around us and they’re good lads too,” said Ralph.

“They want to learn and they work hard too.

“They really want to improve and that’s the main thing.

“They’ve impressed since they’ve been here and hopefully they keep learning and keep improving.”