SOUTHEND United manager Steve Tilson thinks League One will be tougher than ever next season.

Former Premier League trio Norwich City, Charlton Athletic and Southampton have all been relegated from the Championship.

And, with both Leeds United and MK Dons losing out in the play-offs, Tilson knows his team will be in for some real tests next term.

“There are going to be a number of good games that’s for sure,” said the Blues boss.

“For me I think the standard is going to be even higher than last season and probably the highest it’s been since we’ve been in this league in actual fact.

“You would expect both Norwich and Charlton to be up there challenging straight away and Southampton should do well too even though they are starting on minus 10 points.

“On top of that you still have the likes of Leeds and MK Dons in the league.

“So there are some big clubs around with big budgets and it’s going to be difficult.”

Tilson is relishing those challenges, though, and is looking forward to the games in good stadiums played in front of large crowds.

But he is surprised to still be facing Leeds who were knocked out of the play-offs at the semi-final stage by Millwall.

“I really thought Leeds were going to go up this year so it did shock me a bit,” said Tilson.

“They will have another real go next season and are one of the teams I really think will be challenging again.”