The Shrimpers finished 10th last season, but with a few new faces, manager Chris Powell will have his eye on a play-off place in the coming campaign.

Powell has added two Scunthorpe United players to his Southend squad, in Sam Mantom and Tom Hopper.

Hopper is not a prolific forward at League One level, but he is a useful addition to the squad.

Attacking is certainly an area for Powell to look to improve, as the Shrimpers were over reliant on Simon Cox last season.

Mantom found himself on the fringes of the Scunthorpe United squad, so will be hoping for a new lease of life under Chris Powell.

Chris Powell has also used his in-depth Charlton Athletic knowledge to bring Addicks defender Harry Lennon to Southend-on-Sea.

Still a young defender, and in need of more regular game time, the move seems to suit both Lennon and the Roots Hall outfit. He will likely learn a lot from vastly experienced Shrimpers captain Anton Ferdinand.

Southend United fans will be hoping Powell makes a few more additions before the season begins.

Whilst Sunderland will be the bookies favourites going into the next League One Season, it is a fairly open division.

Southend United will certainly consider a play-off spot a realistic ambition going into next season, and it seems Chris Powell is adding to his squad with some necessary additions.