A FAMOUS physicist once said the definition of stupidity was doing the same thing and expecting different results.

And, in truth, his words would fit in well at Roots Hall right now.

Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood Town increased the doom and gloom surrounding the Shrimpers as they slumped to an eighth setback in nine games.

Subsequently, Blues have now won just twice in the League since the end of October during an abysmal run of results which has seen them take eight points from 12 games.

During that period of time only Bury and Rochdale have picked up fewer points than Southend who were again below their best at the weekend.

All season the Shrimpers have struggled at both end of the pitch and those familiar frailties were again exposed against Fleetwood.

The visitors gleefully latched upon an error from Blues captain Anton Ferdinand to break the deadlock on Saturday as the experienced centre-back’s stuttering season continued at the heart of the back four.

Ferdinand has failed to match the standards he set himself during the previous campaign but – aside from the recent 2-1 defeat to Bradford City – has still always been selected by boss Phil Brown.

But it is not just Ferdinand struggling for form defensively as the Shrimpers have now gone nine games without keeping a clean sheet and, after conceding 47 goals in 28 games, they have the third worst defensive record in the division.

Blues have let in more goals than anyone else in League One on their travels and all that comes despite goalkeeper Mark Oxley being by far the best player this season.

However, the struggles also extend to the other end where just 32 goals have been scored.

Simon Cox tops the Shrimpers’ scoring charts with seven goals but the rest of the strikers Southend have used this season have managed a combined total of five goals in 81 appearances.

Supplying the forwards with good enough service has played a part in that poor record and that was certainly the case on Saturday as Cox – a player with a proven track record – was forced to feed off scraps.

As a result, Southend have now failed to score from open play in their last four matches and morale and confidence have clearly been affected by the recent run.

That has made Blues tough to watch and the fans in attendance on Saturday deserve immense credit for their loyalty.

As I touched on last week, things seem flat and stale right now at Roots Hall and going to games is just not fun anymore.

I certainly take no pleasure in writing these words and, without wanting to sound unprofessional, I have delayed penning this for as long as possible due to its depressing nature.

For me, things are as low as they have been since Blues suffered relegation amid financial problems back in 2010.

But there needs to be a realisation that things on the pitch are heading that way again.

After all, that season Blues’ top player Lee Barnard departed in January and that was repeated last week when Ryan Leonard left to join Sheffield United.

The midfielder’s departure was the correct decision by the club due to his contract situation but it has severely weakened the Shrimpers, who are now just two points above the drop zone.

A replacement is desperately required but Southend need reinforcing all over the pitch right now. A striker with a physical presence is essential and Blues simply have to get these signings right.

Poor recruitment is a major factor in the club’s current plight and pressure is mounting on the shoulders of under-fire boss Brown.

Chairman Ron Martin has showed great patience with managers during his tenure but one way or another he has to get the club back on track.

Big changes are needed and if they are not forthcoming the results will stay the same and the Shrimpers will find themselves back in League Two.