FIVE things that Southend United's trip to Ireland showed.

1. HAPPY DAYS ARE BACK!

The trip to Ireland was arranged at quite short notice after the completion of the takeover by the consortium but an impressive number of supporters still made it out.

And what really struck me was just how many of them were smiling.

It’s been a tough, tough time following the Shrimpers in recent seasons but there is now a real feel-good factor in place.

That was certainly in evidence in Ireland with Justin Rees and Ian Redbourn joining supporters in pubs after the game.

Fingers crossed another trip can be arranged next pre-season.

2. SIGNINGS ARE NEEDED

We probably knew this before heading out to Ireland but Blues are still short in a couple of areas.

George Wind’s arrival from Billericay Town will provide cover and competition down the right hand side but there is a desperate need for another striker.

Harry Cardwell and Josh Walker have looked sharp in pre-season but Danny Waldron has yet to find his best form and you do sense the Shrimpers need more attacking options if they are to push for promotion.

A back up goalkeeper is also required and another midfielder.

3. TIME TO DECIDE ON TRIALISTS

Rafferty Pedder was given another opportunity to impress for Southend United in Ireland.

The midfielder looked good when coming off the bench against Gillingham and started against Ballyfermot United.

The youngster had a couple of bright bursts into the left hand side of the penalty late on but has he done enough to earn a deal?

Kevin Maher will be assessing his options and the budget before deciding his next move in the next few days you would think.

4. BLUES ARE STILL WELL KNOWN

Having struck up plenty of conversations with locals and taxi drivers during my trip it was perhaps surprising how many knew about Southend United.

There were certainly a few mentions for ex Shrimpers boss Ronnie Whelan.

But a special mention must go to our taxi driver to the game who insisted Blues visiting Ballyfermot was the equivalent of Barcelona heading to Southend for a friendly!

5. WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

Blues are facing a far brighter future under their new ownership but the loyalty shown by the players during the tough times should not be forgotten.

Last summer, the Shrimpers hardly had a pre-season and faced all kinds of issues so they fully deserved this trip away.

The players and staff praised the level of training pitches they played on while abroad and the trip would have further boosted an already impressive team spirit too.