Sturrock has had stints at Plymouth, Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday

Southend United manager Paul Sturrock has reassured fans that the team will progress next season.

The Blues finished Sturrock's first season in charge in 13th place in League Two, seven points off the play-off places.

Sturrock told BBC Essex: "I'm going to get the players to know the systems of play I want to develop at the club.

"I'm going to add some fresh faces as well, supporters should be confident and looking forward to it."

Sturrock overhauled the Shrimpers squad after replacing Steve Tilson last July, and they struggled to make an impact at the start of the campaign.

A strong mid-season run faltered in March, when the squad was hit by injuries and suspensions.

Sturrock added: "The pleasing thing for us is that the team came together at some time in the season.

"To finish 13th is a bit disappointing for me because I do believe we're a better team than where we finished.

"When you consider how we played in the first 10-15 games, it meant we were doing catch-up the whole season."

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