Coughlan: 'This is going to be the toughest League Two I've known for a number of years'
With the Shrimpers squad back to training Friday, the first day back for Blues boss Paul Sturrock and his player/coaching assistant Graham Coughlan, the lads will find out what's expected of them over what should be a grueling pre-season schedule.
Coughlan told www.southendunited.co.uk: "Next week we're going to be in 9-5 everyday doing up to three sessions a day. Anyone who falls down on the fitness side of things will be given extra sessions to correct it. probably by Saturday we will introduce the football into things."
Ouch! I hope Mark Phillips doesn't fall apart!
Southend then start with two games in 48 hours on July 11th/12th against Dartford and Great Wakering Rovers respectively, and the former Shrewsbury skipper already knows how the team will be utilised over that period.
Coughlan explained: "It is important for the first games to build slowly so probably most players will get 45 minutes to an hour. We hope to have a trail game for released players and foreign trailists like before also. Obviously we picked up the likes of Bilel Mohsni in one of those last season so it's worth doing. By the time Ipswich and Norwich games rolll round we will get an indication on where the gaffer is going with the team in terms of personnel and shape."
Graham's also happy that the Shrimpers Trust coughed up the dosh that will allow the squad to go on a pre-season trip north of the border which includes a two-day four-team tournament in East Fife.
He said: "I believe Scotland is a great opportunity. When we are away there will be team bonding and the boys will have a laugh but it's very much going to be hard physical training sessions. This is going to be the toughest League Two I have known for a number of years. On paper there are very few teams you will say we will win that game. So it's very important that the team spirit is good."
No arguments there, but how about a sighting of a new signing at Rooots Hall soon, we've been fed enough stories, and Graham is more than happy to oblige!
Coughlan concluded: "We're working hard behind the scenes on one or two players and we are hoping to tie that up in the next 24 to 48 hours. There is no rush though and if it's not right then we won't do it. Players are haggling and playing teams off each other but the longer it goes the tighter thr noose gets for those without clubs."
Tell that to Bristol Rovers and others mate, but they probably have a slightly higher budget than the Shrimpers, and in Luggy and Coughers we remain to have a shedload of trust.
It's the board, as ever, we're not sure of!
COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!!
Want to know more about what the players will be facing from Friday? The full article from the official site: www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~2382933,00.html