JOSH Coulson wants Southend United to prove their worth against spenders Stockport County tomorrow.
The much sought-after Hatters are among the promotion favorites this season after putting together a strong-looking roster.
But Coulson wants the Blues to show their own talents in the opening game of Phil Brown’s campaign.
“There’s a lot of talk about the budget and Stockport will be up there with his budget and big squad,” said the defender.
“It’s a huge game and the existing BT cameras make it bigger.
“But we will enjoy it and will want to put on a good show and hopefully get the three points.”
The Shrimpers enter the game after starting their season with a 1-0 win at King’s Lynn.
And Coulson was thrilled, if a little shocked, to help the blues triumph after a broken two disrupted its preseason.
“It was a bit of a surprise to start the opening game but it was a good win for us that we want to build on now,” said Coulson.
“I really had a nightmare here and broke my toe in the first session.
“That certainly wasn’t the plan, but I worked hard in the gym with Stef (Russo) so I felt fit, but match fitness can’t be beat.
“There were times in the game when I was blowing, but I kept going and it was a good result.
“The clean sheet was a bonus too.”
Coulson played the full 90 minutes as the Shrimpers got off to a victorious start.
And the summer signing wants the win to be a sign that the Blues are looking to recover from two consecutive relegations. “There are a lot of clubs that say they shouldn’t be at this level and this club definitely shouldn’t be,” said Coulson.
“Hopefully we’re on the right track to get back where we should be, but it doesn’t help that just one promotion and then another in the play-offs.
“That needs to be clarified, but it is not up to us to decide.
“It’s really another League Two and a lot of clubs are fighting for the same thing.”
However, Coulson spent most of the summer being fit and now feels ready to move on.
“My toe is okay and has healed well,” said the former Leyton Orient and Cambridge United defender.
“Little O’Shane (Stewart) broke it.
“I tried to train, but it flared up again and I had to deal with what was tough. “But my toe felt good on Saturday, I only had to worry about my legs!”
