YOU have to feel a massive degree of sympathy for Southend United manager Steve Tilson right now.

The Blues boss has worked wonders during his six years in charge at Roots Hall and, in my opinion, should be regarded as the club’s best ever manager for what he has achieved.

But never before has he faced circumstances quite as difficult as this.

For right now, presuming Lee Sawyer remains unavailable, Tilson has just 12 fit professional players in his squad which he is currently unable to bolster.

He is being forced to play Anthony Grant as a makeshift defender and, with Dougie Freedman picking up a groin problem during the defeat at Carlisle, Tilson also has a shortage of strikers.

James Walker could subsequently be recalled from his loan spell at Hereford United.

But other areas will soon be affected as three players — Alan McCormack, Lee Barnard and Simon Francis — are all one booking away from suspension.

Tilson’s only option is to therefore call on more members of the youth team and, while it is always exciting to see youngsters emerge through the ranks, these are not ideal circumstances for them to be introduced, especially if they are not ready.

The club’s financial situation has of course created this situation and Wednesday is the next massive day in the diary as Blues face a winding-up order in the High Court.

Administration remains a possibility but whatever does happen will have a huge effect on Tilson and the remainder of his side’s season.

For make no mistake about it, Southend United are a club in crisis and survival is very much the name of the game both off the pitch and on it.

The players do deserve immense credit for their professionalism and performances in difficult circumstances this term.

But, with the way things are, even staying in League One would be another fine achievement for Tilson this season.