Chris Powell's appointment utterly rejuvenated Southend United's season last year. 

Before Powell returned to the club he played for, the Shrimpers were languishing dangerously close to the drop zone.

But the former Charlton manager's appointment brought a breath of fresh air to the club and lead them to a comfortable tenth place finish.

The club's ambition this time around will be to break into the play-offs, and they have already been busy in the transfer window bringing in Sam Mamton and Tom Hopper from Scunthorpe, Harry Lennon from Charlton and Sam Barratt from Maidenhead.

But there are still areas where they can improve.

Here are three signings that could turn Southend until a real force next season.

Having brought in Tom Hopper it is clear that Powell sees the Shrimper's need for a striker, but bringing in someone of Tom Eaves's goalscoring calibre would be a real statement.

Eaves scored 17 goals for a struggling Gillingham team last season and his physical presence would make Southend a real threat in League One next season.

Central midfield is another area where Southend United are lacking, but someone who could help with that is Fleetwood Town's Bobby Grant.

Grant is just the player Southend need to keep things ticking over in midfield for the Shrimper and could become the heartbeat of the team.

With Vassell's contract soon to run out a few teams will be circling for the strikers signature.

The physical forward bagged 11 goals in a mediocre Blackpool squad last season and will be looking to add to that total wherever he is playing next season.

Who do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know here and win any World Cup shirt of your choice!