Three reasons for optimism

BARRY OWEN . . . expecting big things.

ATHLETIC director Barry Owen is predicting big things from the club’s trio of new signings as the squad got down to pre-season work today.

After yesterday’s tests at Bolton University, Darren Kelly took charge of his first on-field training session, which featured Lee Croft, George Green and Jake Cassidy — all attack-minded men and each primed to put their all into 2015-16.

Kelly’s qualities as a boss remain to be proven and while Owen hopes for an impact from Croft similar to that of his last stint at the club, relative youngsters Green (19) and Cassidy (22) will hope to realise their potential.

“It is shaping up to be quite exciting,” said Owen. “With Lee Croft coming back, you have someone who really wanted to return and play for the club, which is very encouraging. I am sure he will contribute positively for u.

“Jake Cassidy is a player who had a real purple patch at Tranmere and even though he didn’t score at Southend, he helped to make a lot of goals for his team-mates. We needed a target man and have very high hopes of him for the future.

“George Green is coming into a good environment and is someone who simply wants to get on with playing. He is young and very talented, clearly. We believe he can have a bright future ahead of him.”

With centre-backs the major priority, Kelly is running the rule over a number of trialists ahead of the opening friendly at Chester on July 11.