KEVIN Bond is determined to lead Southend United to an improved season after being confirmed as the Shrimpers’ new boss.

Bond has signed a two year deal with Blues and is now eager to get to work.

“I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity at Southend United but there’s plenty of hard work to be getting on with right away,” said Bond.

“We’re playing catch up a little bit with pre-season and recruitment and there’s lots we need to look at.

“But most of us we need to make sure we improve on last season.”

Bond bossed the Shrimpers for the final six games of the previous campaign and kept them in League One with a 2-1 win against Sunderland on the final day of the season.