Southend analysis: Relief but Blues are not out of the woods (From Echo)

Southend analysis: Relief but Blues are not out of the woods

9:53am Monday 9th November 2009

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AVOIDING administration is of course a massive plus point for Southend United.

For had the Shrimpers not been able to pay off their £2.1 million debt to HM Revenue and Customs then their League One status would have been in serious threat.

Blues would have suffered an immediate 10-point deduction which would have seen them slump down into the relegation zone.

And, on top of that, there would have been huge question marks over the future of the side’s best players such as top goalscorer Lee Barnard and skipper Adam Barrett.

With a transfer embargo in place, manager Steve Tilson would not have been able to bring in any replacements so news of the debt being paid, which broke during the first half at the Priestfield Stadium on Saturday, should come as good news.

But it would also be foolish to think it signalled the end of the club’s financial problems.

After all, the Shrimpers have struggled to pay their players and backroom staff on time this season and have again been unable to make any permanent signings.

Tilson had a squad of just 13 professional players for the game at Gillingham and, with Johnny Herd picking up a hamstring injury midway through the first half, the Blues boss had to play a number of those out of position.

Unsurprisingly his side went on to suffer a 3-0 defeat against the Gills and the club are now waiting to hear if their transfer embargo has been lifted.

If it is then more loan signings have to be made — and fast — as the current squad is just nowhere near big enough to be able to consistently compete at this level.

A new centre-back should top the wanted list but a left-back and a striker are also required if Southend are to avoid being dragged down the table.

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