With Southend United reporting for pre-season training today, Adam Barrett admitted it was good to be back.

The Blues captain has enjoyed the summer break, but was chomping at the bit to return to action and catch up with his team-mates.

"It was nice to be back in training today," Adam told southendunited.co.uk.

"We had a beep test first thing in the morning and everyone seemed to do okay on that.

"We had the footballs out this afternoon, which was enjoyable - it's nice to have the footballs out early in training.

"It was a good first day and everyone seemed raring to go.

"It was nice to be back and see everyone; they have all had their holidays, so a few sun tans come out, but unfortunately I am still whiter than white!

"Hopefully, we can have a good pre-season and get ready for the start of the new campaign in August."

Southend will soon kick-start the first of nine pre-season encounters at Great Wakering Rovers on Friday July 10th.

And Barrett might not be the biggest fan of friendlies, but with the League One season not long in wait, he's looking forward to playing football again.

He said: "I have never been a massive fan of pre-season games, but you have got to do it and the main thing is to come through it with no injuries and get your fitness up.

"Wakering are close to us and it's a good little club down there.

"We have nine pre-season games and we need to make sure we prepare right and that we are ready for the start of the season.

"Hopefully, this year we can get off to a good start.

"We have got some good players here and if everyone can stay fit, we can have another good campaign.

"It's going to be a tough league with some big teams coming down, but we are looking forward to the challenge."