Southend United star Mark Gower cannot wait for the start of the new campaign after completing the first full pre-season of his career.

No way through - Lawrie Dudfield's shot is scrambled to safety Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

Remarkably the 25-year-old has been so hampered by injuries since emerging as a trainee at Spurs in 1996 that he has never made it through a summer build-up before.

But now he is eager to get into the real action after enjoying the full benefit of Blues' warm-up.

"I feel fit and I can't wait for the season to start now," said the former Tottenham Hotspur man.

"I've completed every session and it's the first time in my career I've ever done a full pre season.

"Results wise we've been a bit indifferent but at times we've done well and I thought we played excellently against Brighton last week. It would have been nice to get some better results but this stage of the season is all about fitness."

Blues finished their flurry of friendlies in preparation for the new campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Grays and Gower said it had been tough.

"It's always hard to come to places like Grays and it was a hard match for us," he said.

"We should have done better in front of goal though and that would have won us the game."

Gower wasted the Shrimpers best chance during an uneventful opening half at the Recreation Ground as he prodded a seven yard shot wide of the post with just former Southend shot-stopper Carl Emberson left to beat.

Published Monday August 2, 2004

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