LUKE O’Neill believes Southend United’s fighting spirit has been the main reason behind their rise up the League One table.

The Shrimpers - who held their Christmas party in Manchester at the weekend - made it nine League One games unbeaten with a 3-1 win against Coventry City on Saturday.

And O’Neill feels the team’s togetherness has seen them go from the relegation zone to just one point outside the play-off positions in eighth.

“I think we have something really special going here because of how close everyone is in the group,” said O’Neill.

“It was a fantastic weekend away for our Christmas party and everyone at the club along with the fans is pushing in the right direction.

"That’s why I think we’re on the up.”