THE Football League’s decision to allow Soccer AM presenters Helen Chamberlain and Max Rushden to sing the National Anthem before next month’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final has hit a bum note with Southend United’s supporters.

Chamberlain and Rushden co-host Sky Sports’ satirical Saturday morning show.

But Blues’ fans are furious the duo have been chosen to perform at Wembley Stadium before the game with Crewe Alexandra kicks off.

And many, including Jamie Forsyth, the co-editor of the All At Sea Fanzine, are demanding a rethink from the organisers of the competition.

“This final is a fantastic achievement for Southend, our first ever Wembley final,” said Forsyth. “We’d like to sing the National Anthem at Wembley Stadium with pride, without two jokers from a tired television show trying to steal the limelight, treating it like it’s just a big laugh.

“It devalues the competition, already suffering from a poor reputation, the National Anthem and the achievements of both sides and we hope Johnstone’s Paint reconsider their decision.

“If not, prepare for 30,000 Southend fans jeering when they take to the pitch.”

Soccer AM have been associated with the JPT throughout the season after carrying out the draw for each round live on its show.

But fans are dismayed by their latest involvement and Robert Craven, a spokesman for the Shrimpers Trust, was another to express his disappointment.

“At best the decision is ill-conceived, at worst it could be construed as a cheap publicity stunt for an ailing show,” said Craven.

“For supporters of lower-league clubs such as the Shrimpers and Crewe, it represents our only realistic opportunity to get to the national stadium at Wembley, despite Bradford City’s almost unique achievement in the League Cup this season.

“Sunday, April 7, will be a special day, whoever sings the anthem, but this decision runs the risk of ridicule.

“And, as result, the Trust are also demanding a rethink from the Football League with professional singers being selected instead of television presenters.

“We want to be treated as though this is an FA Cup final and we want to experience Wembley with all the trimmings,” added Craven.

“For that reason, the Shrimpers Trust would like the Football League to reconsider their decision for the benefit of fans of both sides who will be attending the match.

“And we’re more than happy for them to find a more appropriate role for the Soccer AM presenters — perhaps as matchday hosts on the big screen — to reflect their support of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.”

More than a hundred supporters have already contacted Echosport to vent their fury, while six pages of posts were made on popular fans forum Shrimperzone.

And the website’s co-owner Ken Jarvis joined most of the zone’s members in criticising the announcement.

“I think it is just a stunt to advertise an ailing programme that is past its sell by date,” said Jarvis. “What’s wrong with getting Alison Moyet to sing, she’s a proper singer.”