Blues boss Steve Tilson will experiment with a new formation when his side start their pre-season preparations at Great Wakering Rovers tonight.
The Shrimpers are set to scrap their usual 4-4-2 in favour of a diamond shaped midfield at Burroughs Park with Tiily hoping the new shape can bring more out of his side.
"It's something we're interested in trying and this is the time of year to do it", he said, speaking to the Southend Evening Echo. "It's hard to explain the formation but it's kind of a 4-1-2-1-2 system and it's similar to what Doncaster play. It worked well for them and we think it could for us too with the players we have. The width comes from your full-backs but that could suit us and it will be interesting to see how it goes. If it doesn't work then it doesn't work, but at least we will have given it a go."
The Shrimpers will field two of the new signings, striker Paul Furlong and defender Osei Sankofa, against the Ryman Division One North side but another of the new faces, goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall, is not expected to be in action.
"We've three games in quick succession so we're going to share it out among the keepers and Clarke Masters will play tonight," confirmed Tilson. "We also have another keeper on trial, Ian Joyce, and he will be on the bench. He is the third or fourth choice for the American national side and was with Watford last season so he's someone we will be taking a look at in the friendlies we have coming up."
Tilson is still awaiting clearance to field more trialists tonight but he is looking forward to seeing his side return to action against the non-leaguers.
"It's a good opening game for us," he said. "It's always nice going to Wakering and you know that the pitch is going to be excellent which is important for us. The plan is to give as many players as possible 45 minutes and improve their match fitness."
Southend United (from): Masters, Joyce, Francis, Clarke, Barrett, Sankofa, Herd, Bailey, McCormack, Moussa, Scannell, Lokando, Forshaw, Walker, Revell, Furlong and Barnard.
There will be a full report on the game, including how long before the good Lord limps off or Macca gets booked, bets accepted now, while any further updates will be posted on the site as soon as we get them.
Come on you Blues, only eleven months to go!