RYAN Cresswell insists Southend United’s players have not been affected by the uncertainty surrounding the managerial position for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final.

The Echo understands that talks between chairman Ron Martin, new Blues boss Phil Brown and former manager Paul Sturrock are still taking place ahead of next weekend’s Wembley showdown against Crewe Alexandra.

But Cresswell claimed the Shrimpers’ squad of players were focusing solely on their football and not the uncertainty surrounding who may be in charge.

“We’re just getting on with training and focusing on the games we have coming up this weekend,” said the centre-back.

“These next two games in the space of four days are crucial for our season and we’ll start to think about Wembley after that.

“If we play well and get good results then the team will pick itself for the final, but when that does come around we’ll just be thinking about the game and making sure we play well, whoever the manager is.”

Sturrock was originally expected to take control of the team for the JPT final with Crewe, despite having been relieved of his duties last Sunday after three years in charge at Roots Hall.

And Cresswell admitted he was sad to see the Scotsman leave.

“I can’t thank Paul enough for everything he has done for me and the team this year,” said the defender.

“He gave me the opportunity to come to Southend and I’ve really enjoyed working with him this season.

“But, like he told me, I have a job to do here still and Phil has come in now and we’ve got to move on.

“We have to make sure we take on board everything he’s asking us to do and get the good results we need against both Bradford and Fleetwood over the Easter weekend to keep alive our chances of making the play-offs.”