LEE Evans may have bagged the winning goal for Bradford City at Roots Hall on Saturday but it was certainly not a laughing matter for Southend United.

The 1-0 defeat meant Blues have now been beaten four times in succession for the first time since 2013.

But adding further misery on the out of form Shrimpers was news that star duo Daniel Bentley and Jack Payne now seem destined to depart.

Bentley’s decision to leave does not come as a surprise due to the ongoing speculation surrounding his future and the number of clubs tracking his availability in the past two seasons.

The talented shot-stopper has established himself as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the lower leagues and played a prominent part in Blues’ winning promotion from League Two last season.

The 22-year-old has made 160 appearances since coming through the Shrimpers’ youth system and, in truth, has earned himself the opportunity to test himself at a higher level.

The youngster still has plenty to learn and has not always been at his best this season but he clearly has the attributes to reach the very top.

However, for that to happen, Bentley and his advisors must carefully consider his next destination.

The biggest move may well not be the best at this stage as the Wickford based shot-stopper must continue his development by joining a club where he is likely to play.

Sitting on the bench or in the stands will be no good for someone of Bentley’s potential and professionalism and making the right switch will be key in deciding what he can eventually go on to achieve in his career.

The same can also be said of Payne but his departure comes as far more of a shock.

The attacking midfielder is a year younger than Bentley but is far further behind in his development and has made just 52 starts in his career.

Staying at Blues for a further year, where he is virtually guaranteed to start and shine, would seem a sensible option at the fledging stage of his career and could ultimately result in a far greater move.

But, at the same time, it is also understandable how a young player will want to test himself at a higher level with far greater financial reward.

Judging by Phil Brown’s post-match interview, winger David Worrall could also be joining Bentley and Payne on the way out of Roots Hall.

Such a scenario is nothing new in modern-day football but Blues are now facing an absolutely critical summer period of signings.

A huge turnaround is to be expected and, including loan players, as many as 14 members of the current squad could be departing before the start of next season.

That makes recruitment more important than ever before as the start of a rebuilding job begins.

Blues need to replace the quality players they are losing while also adding quality to the areas in which they have struggled in the last few months.

The signings will need to fare better than this season for Blues to progress and push on.

Youngsters Ted Smith and Jack Bridge fully deserve their chance to shine but a whole host of new additions will also be required at Roots Hall.

Without a play-off campaign this time around, Blues have longer to prepare and now also have the advantage of knowing more about what League One has to offer.

But the end of this season has been a huge concern.

Just 12 points have been taken from the last 48 on offer and big strides will need to be taken this summer if the Shrimpers are to avoid a season of struggle next time around.