ANDREW McClintock insists Southend Rugby Club remain confident of avoiding relegation this season, despite their poor run of results.

The Seasiders, whose home game against Clifton tomorrow had been called off due to a frozen pitch, are second from bottom in the standings having lost their last seven games.

But McClintock insists the team have not given up hope of working their way out of trouble.

“There are no heads that are down and we’re certainly not just carrying on waiting for the chop – because we all think we’re good enough to get out the position we’re currently in,” said the back row.

“We can’t argue with where we are in the league table because we’ve got ourselves in to that position.

“We’re six points from safety, but we do feel as though we’ve been making improvements.

“And we definitely have the quality in the squad to start getting better results.”

Southend’s survival hopes have also been boosted by the addition of former England coach Dick Best to their backroom team at Warners Bridge.

And McClintock feels the experienced coach has already made a big impression on the team.

“Dick has a wealth of experience and he certainly hasn’t minced his words with us,” said McClintock.

“He’s given us a kick that I think we needed and he’s simplified certain areas where we need to improve.”