BILLERICAY Town’s Ronnie Henry is looking forward to going up against former club Southend United in a pre-season friendly tonight.

Henry, who is preparing for his first campaign with Town after joining from Stevenage, enjoyed a short loan spell at Roots Hall in 2003.

And the central defender is keen to get some more minutes on the pitch after completing the first half of Billericay’s 3-1 win over an All-Star XI on Sunday.

“I was on loan at Southend briefly and it will be a tough fixture for us tonight,” said Henry.

“It’s only our second pre-season friendly, but all we can do is go out there and give it our all.

“We will need to work hard and try to improve on our first game against the All-Star XI, which I’m sure we will.

“It will be a good game and I’m looking forward to it.”

Billericay will welcome Kevin Bond’s Shrimpers to the Steel Team Stadium having emerged victorious in their first encounter of the summer.

Town took on an All-Star XI - put together by former TOWIE star Mark Wright - which consisted of the likes of Paul Konchesky, James Collins, Danny Murphy, Steve Sidwell, Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora.

Although former Liverpool and Fulham midfielder Murphy was on target for the star-studded side, first half goals from Jake Robinson, Adam Cunnington and Jordan Parkes allowed Billericay to get pre-season off to a winning start.

And Henry felt it was an ideal way to prepare for the upcoming National League South term.

The 35-year-old added: “I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was really good and a good exercise for us.

“I thought we played quite well in the first half considering it was our first pre-season game and we can build on that.

“The fans were great and they made it a good atmosphere.

“There were some good players on their side we showed them the respect they deserved.”

And Henry is pleased with the welcome he was received at Billericay.

“I’m really pleased to be here,” admitted Henry.

“I’ve been welcomed by everyone at the football club.

“The staff, management team and players have been fantastic and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead and we have a good squad of players.

“If we can take that onto the pitch, our quality will shine through.”