SOUTHEND United centre-back Ollie Kensdale has stressed there will be no quick fix for the Shrimpers - despite their new owners.
Blues will kick off their National League campaign at home to York City on Saturday with the consortium headed up by Justin Rees in charge.
But Kensdale believes it will still take time for Kevin Maher’s team to fulfil their full potential.
“Pre-season has been good and there’s a lot of optimism but this group has been through a lot and all this is new to us,” said Kensdale.
“There’s nothing going on off the field now and it’s going to take time.
“Everyone within the club knows there won’t just be an overnight fix.
“It will take time but hopefully this season can be a successful one.
“We have our own in-house aims of what we want to do and what we think we can do.
“We just need to get on with it.”
The Shrimpers finished ninth in the standings last season after suffering a 10 point deduction.
And improving on the previous campaign is Kensdale’s initial main aim.
“We want to better our points tally again,” said the 24-year-old.
“Last year without the minus 10 we would’ve improved and we want to do that again so we can definitely be at the right end of the table again.
“It’s more of an open league this year too.
“You’ve still got heavy spenders like Forest Green and Oldham but what we have is a team.
“Sometimes you can’t buy things like that and what we’ve been through is a big thing.
“That can sometimes bring you that extra one or two per cent.”
The Shrimpers completed their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 win at Chelmsford City on Saturday.
And Kensdale was pleased to get another 90 minutes under his belt.
“In pre-season the main aim is fitness and not necessarily the results,” said the defender.
“To come through another game with everyone picking up no injuries was the main thing and a win to go with it was a bonus.”
The victory came in Blues’ first game since coming back from a four day trip to Ireland.
And Kensdale felt heading abroad was hugely beneficial.
“It was really good,” said the defender.
“It helps the new signings integrate more but we’re already a tight-knit group.
“Going away like we did only helps and thanks to the consortium for sorting that out for us.
“It was a good trip and we got another 90 minutes over there for boys who needed it too.”
But Kensdale is delighted pre-season is now coming to an end.
“I always dread pre-season and I’m not a pre-season lover at all,” said the centre-back.
“I like getting back into the games and it will be good to get back into that routine with shorter training days too.
“I’m buzzing and the lads are too.
“We all feel ready.”
However, Kensdale admits the Shrimpers still need to add to their squad.
“We probably need one or two more but the gaffer and the backroom staff will be working on that I’m sure,” he added.
