Southend United boss Alan Little was preparing to throw his men to the Lions as Blues took on Millwall in a behind closed doors friendly.

The Shrimpers have only been back in pre-season training for five days, but with the big Third Division kick-off at home to Plymouth Argyle less than a month away, Little decided to take this early opportunity today (Friday) to monitor his side's progress.

Before boarding the team coach to the Second Division outfit's Bromley training ground this morning, the Seasiders chief said he was looking forward to watching his men in competitive action again.

"We've had a good hard slog out on the training ground this week and it's nice for the lads to round off their efforts with a kick-about," said Little.

"I expect the boys to be a bit rusty, but this game will allow me to assess my players and see how they are shaping up both physically and mentally."

Little aims to give his entire First team squad a run-out at Millwall and is taking 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers to Kent.

"I've split the lads into two teams, which I will rotate every 20 minutes with a constant change of goalkeeper," he added.

"This is our first match and although I want us to win, as I do any game, I don't want my players overdoing it and picking up stupid injuries which will hamper our build up to the new season.

"But I'll be demanding a competitive edge from my players, because Millwall have got an extra week's training under their belts.

"They'll be fired up for this game and desperate to win, which will give me a good opportunity to see what my players are made of."

Little confirmed he was still waiting to hear about possible transfer targets, but hoped to have more positive news next week on a Second Division midfielder he is trying to lure to Roots Hall.

Blues will play Peterborough United on the first day of their Roots Hall tournament, staged between July 24 and 25.

Essex rivals Colchester will play Premiership new boys Watford.

Former Southend United midfielder Lars Unger has failed in his bid to find an English club for next season.

The 26-year-old German, who joined Blues on loan from Fortuna Dusseldorf last term, hoped to join a First Division team in this country, but has now resumed his career by signing for an Austrian club.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.