Manager Steve Tilson is happy with the business he has done over the past few days; but the Southend boss still believes he needs a few more faces.

United have moved in the last 24-hours to secure the signings of Anthony Grant, Kevin Betsy and Dan Harding.

That trio of new players has boosted Blues bid to get off to a good start against Peterborough United on Saturday.

And Tilson expects some of his new acquisitions to feature come 3pm.

"It's been a busy few days but we are pleased with what we have pulled off," the United chief told southendunited.co.uk.

"We still need a few more but we have filled key positions with good quality players and that has pleased me.

"Kevin Betsy brings experience and good skill whilst Dan Harding is a very solid full-back.

"I won't be giving anything away but I am sure some will start."

With the dawn of a new Coca-Cola League One season on the horizon United entertain the Posh at Roots Hall.

The London Road outfit successful navigated themselves to promotion last term under the guidance of Darren Ferguson.

And Tilson expects the newcomers to do well once again this term.

"Peterborough will have the momentum with them after their promotion and they will be looking to take that forwards this year," he said.

"Everybody knows they have some money, and I think if they get a good start they could be up there at the end of the season."

But equally whilst Peterborough will offer a tough test at home, Tilson is also looking to get his first win under his belt having tasted opening day defeat on three of the last four occasions as manager.

Steve admitted: "Any manager wants to win their first game, but the first couple are always unpredictable.

"There will be some strange results in the first couple of weeks but it won't mean anything.

"We have managed back-to-back promotions on small squad assembled on a minimal budget before so there is no reason why we can't do that again.

"There is probably less pressure than last year, but we are not here to just make the numbers up and we will be looking to get in the top six again."