Fitness struggle for Pettefer

The former Portsmouth player broke his leg last April and spent nine weeks in a cast before it was removed three weeks ago.

The 23-year-old winger has now picked up an ankle problem after resuming training this week with the League Two club.

Pettefer looks to be in a fight to be fit for the club's first match of the new season against Cheltenham Town on August 7, despite his determination to be ready.

"I joined in with the rest of the lads on their first day back, but it was the first time I had run for three months and my ankle has swollen up," Pettefer told the Evening Echo.

"The original injury where I broke my leg is fully healed now and it feels fine but my ankle is sore because I've had it in a cast for so long.

"It's just stiffened up so I've been working with John Stannard (Southend physio) ever since.

"It's never nice to miss out on games, but at this stage, I'm still hopeful of being fit for Cheltenham."

Meanwhile, former manager Steve Wignall will meet with Shrimpers deputy chairman Geoffrey King to try and come to terms over compensation following his sacking last November.

Chairman Ron Martin is hopeful a settlement can be reached without the need of an employment tribunal.

"Hopefully, a sensible outcome can occur, but it could go to an employment tribunal, which could take place in either January or February next year," said Martin.