Three players have been on trial at Roots Hall during pre-season training this week following a summer of big-name departures from the club.

Brush told the club's official website: "We're spreading our net a little bit further this year, but it isn't an open trial situation.

"They have to come with at least two quality recommendations for us to be interested.

"We're just looking in one or two positions where we think that we're short of numbers and someone that might come along that we can develop.

"We think we need three or four players before the start of the season.

"We're sure that by the time the season starts we'll have people in, but for the team's development, style of play and integration, the sooner the better."