What a difference a week makes for Southend United

Just seven days after starting the new League One season with an incredibly impressive and well deserved 2-1 win against Blackburn Rovers, a sub-standard Shrimpers slumped to their heaviest League defeat in 19 years – losing 5-0 at Rotherham United.

The Millers dominated the match right from the very first whistle and only some fine saves from Blues goalkeeper Mark Oxley and some poor finishing stopped Southend from suffering an even heavier setback.

But the defeat was still Phil Brown’s biggest since arriving at Roots Hall in 2013 and it was also the most convincing loss since Blues were beaten 5-0 at Carlisle United in 1998.

A shell-shocked Brown called his players in to the training ground at 7am on Sunday and was clearly hurting in the aftermath of Saturday’s shambles.

The scale of the setback was similar to the start of last season when the Shrimpers suffered a succession of convincing defeats on their travels.

Blues were beaten 4-0 at both Scunthorpe United and Northampton Town before being seen off at Rochdale.

Back then, however, the Shrimpers were desperately seeking a settled line up, shape and pattern of play.

But that should no longer be a concern for Blues.

The second half of last season showed what the side can produce and so did the opening day victory against Blackburn.

However, chapter one of great footballing clichés clearly states how the battle must be won before the quality can take control.

And that – more than anything else – was to blame for Saturday’s shenanigans.

Putting it simply, Blues were bullied and nowhere near matching Rotherham’s physicality.

Millers’ striker Kieffer Moore was a prime example as he bagged a well-taken hat-trick while his attacking partner Jamie Proctor also caused problems with his aggressive approach.

The defeat came just four days after a Newport County side had also shocked the Shrimpers with their physical approach in the Carabao Cup.

And it is that – more than anything else – which now needs to be worked upon in the aftermath of Saturday’s setback.

Of course, one defeat should not signal an overreaction and, two games into a new term, there is certainly no need to panic.

Blues have not suddenly become a bad side but lessons must be learnt if they are to again be challenging for a top six finish this term.

On Saturday, the Shrimpers looked fragile all over the field and an impressive Rotherham side – who were relegated from the Championship last season – gleefully took advantage.

Even Anton Ferdinand – so often a cool, composed and consistent performer for Blues – looked out of sorts as he struggled to deal with Rotherham’s front two.

Stephen Hendrie also looked weak down the left-hand side while at the other end of the field a lack of physicality meant the Shrimpers were unable to hold the ball up.

That resulted in sustained spells of Rotherham pressure and ultimately led to a calamitous afternoon which was correctly described as embarrassing by both Brown and defender John White at the final whistle.

The 529 Shrimpers supporters who travelled close to 400 miles and spent more than seven hours on the road certainly deserved much better.

But the best way to repay them would be to make this setback just a one off.

For that to happen Blues will need to show plenty of character and also correct what went wrong at the weekend.

Pretty touches and pieces of skill are often to be commended and admired but not at the expense of the more physical side of the game, especially in the lower leagues.

However, moving forward, it seems the Shrimpers will need to add extra toughness to their undoubted talent if they are to challenge towards the top of the League One table this term and make sure Saturday’s shocking showing is a distant memory come the end of the season.