SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell has until 5pm today to add to his Shrimpers squad - but feels that should not be the case.

After the window closes Powell cannot bring in new signings until the beginning of January.

However, the Shrimpers chief believes lower League clubs should still be able to bring players in on loan.

“I think the emergency window should still be there for teams in League One and League Two,” said Powell.

“We can’t carry as many players as teams in the Championship and the Premier League.

“From tomorrow, if we lose a centre-back we can’t bring one in unless it’s a free transfer but I think it’s wrong.

“It’s been aimed at us because we were the only country in Europe to have the emergency loan window but I think all the countries should do it.”

And Powell also feels keeping the window open for emergency loan signings would save lower League clubs money in testing times.

“If we sign someone on loan now it has to be until January, said Powell.

“But you could loan someone for four months when technically you only need them for a month.

“You end up paying three month’s money for a player who might play but might not after the first month where he might play five or six games.

“I understand we might be trying to get it back in this country and I think we should because it definitely helps club.

“I know they’re saying you can introduce youngsters but it depends on if you’re youngsters are good enough to go in but that’s another conundrum.

“It’s tough but they are the rules and regulations and we have to get on with it.”

Blues could yet add to their squad before the deadline closes today.

But Powell would not make any promises.

“There’s an outside chance of bringing someone in,” said Powell.

“It’s getting closer and closer and hopefully we don’t run out of time.

“We can only sign complete free transfers after tomorrow so I’m wary of that.

“We might add one more but we might not.”

Blues are believed to be keen on signing a defender and there could also be a departure from the squad.