CANVEY Island manager Danny Heale believes a feelgood factor has returned to the club ahead of tonight’s pre-season clash with Southend United.

Heale has bolstered the Gulls squad with nine summer signings.

And, with John Batch now installed as Canvey’s new chairman, Heale is confident of enjoying a successful season.

“There’s a buzz around the place again and the feel-good factor is back,” said Heale.

“We’ve made some really good summer signings, the supporters are happy and we’ve got a chairman in place too.

“Last year, without a chairman, it was hard work and quite awkward too.

“We had to let players go and it was only really our spirit which kept us up on the last game of the season.

“But we’re far more confident this year. We know it will take a little bit of time for the new players to settle in and for partnerships to be built but that’s what pre-season is for.

“It’s been a bit up and down so far but I think that’s to be expected and we’ll get better the more we play.”

Canvey drew 4-4 with Aveley last weekend having beaten Chelmsford City 4-3 the previous Tuesday. But Heale is now looking forward to locking horns with the Shrimpers.

“Southend and West Ham are the two friendlies we’ve pencilled in for big crowds and hopefully that proves to be the case,” said Heale.

“It’s great that Phil Brown has confirmed he is bringing down the first team and we look forward to testing ourselves against them.

“Last time we played we were caught on the hop a bit (losing 7-0) as we expected to be playing the under-21s.

“But Phil Brown was impressed by the set up we have here, he liked the look of the pitch and said then he would come back for a pre-season friendly.

“We’re delighted he’s stuck to his word and it should be a really good night.”