MARK Phillips is sure Southend United can secure success next season - and the centre back is determined to play a part in it.

Phillips endured an injury ravaged first season at Roots Hall, making just five appearances.

But he is already working hard to avoid a similar scenario next term.

“I’m back in at Boots and Laces now making myself stronger for next season,” said Phillips, 28.

“Last year was just so frustrating for me and I’m doing everything I can to stop it happening again.

“I want to become a key part of the side next year because I think we can do well and I’m doing strengthening exercises pretty much all day every day right now to make sure I’m fully fit for the start of pre-season training in July.”

Phillips started last season at the heart of the defence before being hit by a succession of groin problems.

The former Millwall and Brentford man also underwent surgery on a troublesome hernia but is still continuing his rehabilitation.

“I’m having to retrain my body and do plenty of corrective work,” said Phillips.

“I’m having to repeat the same exercises all the time but it has to be done because I need to be playing pain free.

“That hasn’t happened for quite some time and for a while I was playing through the pain.

“But when I came to Southend I just couldn’t do it anymore because the pain was too much and it forced me to break down.”

Phillips will do battle with Bilel Mohnsi, Chris Barker, Luke Prosser and Graham Coughlan for a place in the starting line up.

And he is sure Southend will succeed next season.

“I think we should be confident about our chances because a lot of progress was made in a short period of time last year,” said Phillips.

“The team did well once it started to gel and we want to take that in to next season now.”

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO