Southend striker Paul Furlong insists Steve Tilson's new-look side can only be truly judged when the new season gets underway next month.The Shrimpers have endured a subdued pre-season so far, beating Great Wakering Rovers, Thurrock and Witham Town, drawing against Canvey Island and losing at the hands of Fulham and Braintree Town.

But summer signing Furlong believes enhancing fitness levels is key at this time of year and not grinding out results.

"It's difficult to judge how you're doing from pre-season friendlies, they're about getting fit so you can't really read too much into things yet - you judge yourself from the start of the season," said Furlong.

"I'm definitely confident we're going to do well because it's a young squad here and with a lot of talent and we're all raring to go."

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