Dougie Freedman admits that Southend United's preparations for the new season could not have been any better.

The Scottish striker has also seen a competitive edge to the Blues' training sessions, as the team get ready to face Huddersfield Town in League One on Saturday.

"It's been a good pre-season and we have trained hard," Dougie told Blues Player.

"The lads are all looking forward to the start of the season now and it can't come around any sooner.

"We have a very competitive edge here and there have been some days in training where you would think you are playing in the FA Cup final.

"They say that you should train as you play and we definitely do that.

"The training has been very intensive and reasonably hard, as pre-season goes."

Freedman admits he is now like an eager kid waiting for the first match to start, as the excitement builds up.

The opening game against the Terriers will see Peter Clarke return to Roots Hall, but Freedman admits that while it will be good to see the defender, it will still be business as usual.

He said: "I can't wait for the new season and this is why I continue to play football.

"The Mondays to Fridays are getting harder, but the Saturday mornings are what it's all about.

"When I wake up on the Saturday morning, I'm like a big kid and desperate to get to the ground and desperate to play some football.

"I want to enjoy myself and score goals.

"Clarkey's a good guy and a good friend. He is very professional and he will be coming to win the game with Huddersfield and his ex-teammates will be trying to make sure that he has a bad game - that's football!

"I have no doubt that after the match that he will be in our dressing room and we'll be having a chat, but beforehand, it is business as usual."