SOUTHEND United’s assistant manager Dave Penney has pleaded for patience ahead of tomorrow’s clash with bottom of the table Hartlepool at Roots Hall.

Blues were booed off after suffering a shock FA Cup defeat against Conference club Chester last weekend.

But Penney wants the supporters to be right behind the team as they bid to get back on track against the Monkeyhangers.

“As a club we will need to patient against Hartlepool and that includes the fans, “said Penney.

“We’re a big scalp in this league and teams will make it hard against us.

“We need to relax and get rid of the anxiety that’s around the place.

“We want the supporters behind us too and we get that by playing well and making sure every player gives 100 per cent.”

The Shrimpers have triumphed just once in their last seven games but still remain seventh in the League Two standings.

Hartlepool saw off Ryman Premier League side East Thurrock United 2-0 in the FA Cup last weekend but had previously won just once in 11 games.

That led to Paul Murray replacing Colin Cooper in charge.

And Penney feels the managerial alteration will make them tougher to play against tomorrow.

“Hartlepool have changed manager and have changed their emphasis on what they do as well,” said the former Doncaster Rovers boss.

“I’m sure they would take a point against us but we obviously want all three.”

But Penney refuted suggestions that the managerial staff and the players were under added pressure to perform due to their recent bad run.

“I don’t think the team feel as though they are under pressure,” said Penney.

“When I was a manager it was more about the pressure I put on myself rather than any outside influences.

“But we’re still a good team with good players and we just need to work our way out of this run we’re on.

“We won every game in September and for 70 minutes against Mansfield we were as good as anything.

“However, we’ve got to get back to what we’re good at and that’s working hard. “And we want to put it all together on Saturday.”