Paul Clark: Southend United must beat Exeter City (From Echo)

Paul Clark: Southend United must beat Exeter City

1:20pm Friday 12th March 2010 in

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PAUL Clark believes Southend United must end a turbulent week with a triumph over Exeter City to keep alive their League One survival hopes.

The Shrimpers, who survived a winding up order in the High Court on Wednesday, are locked level on points in the relegation zone with the Grecians.

And Clark feels it is imperative that Steve Tilson’s team come out on top tomorrow at Roots Hall.

“This is a huge game and almost must win for Southend now,” said Clark, a former Blues player and manager.

“Whoever loses could become cut adrift from the other teams down there and it won’t be easy for Southend because I know Exeter caused Colchester all kinds of problems when they went there.”

Blues have still not triumphed in 2010 and are four points from safety.

This week they brought back David Webb to replace assistant manger Paul Brush and work alongside Tilson.

And Clark, who made 359 appearances for the club during two seperate spells, remains shocked by the change.

“Both pieces of news came as a bolt from the blue and really did surprise me,” said Clark, who himself worked with Webb at Blues.

“If David has come in as a consultant there is really no-one better for a job like that.

“But if it was not decided by Tilly and was forced on him then I think that undermines him to be honest.”

Former Blues striker David Crown was another surprised to see Webb return for a fifth spell at the club.

But he hopes his arrival can help the side secure a return to winning ways.

“One win would make everyone feel better again,” said Crown who scored 69 goals in 132 games for the Shrimpers.

“I think everyone needs to pull together and get behind the team because we have three home games coming up in a row now and they are all massive.

“You’re only as good as your next game and I really hope Southend win tomorrow.”

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO