SOUTHEND United have kicked off their preparations for the forthcoming season.

The players reported back to their Boots and Laces base in Southend on Friday.

And the club’s strength and conditioning coach Lawrence Bloom was pleased with the fitness of the squad.

“The majority of the players really looked after themselves during the summer break and I’m really pleased with the shape they’re in,” said Bloom.

“For the first couple of days we conducted a number of tests on them, including a bleep test and then some in the gym as well.

“But it went well and we will be kicking on with the work this week, including some boxing conditioning work at the TSG Fight School in Westcliff.”

Friday also saw new signings Neil Harris and Alassane N’Diaye both report in for their first day at their new club.