Southend United boss Chris Powell praises defensive duo

Anton Ferdinand, 33, and Michael Turner, 34, have helped the Shrimpers secure back-to-back clean sheets.

And Powell is happy to see them both playing a key part for Blues.

“Their experience has helped us to pick up points and they are helping those around them too,” said the Blues boss.

“Sometimes with players like Anton and Michael their reputation goes before them but no matter what they’ve done and where they’ve been sometimes they need help.

“They’ve both responded and their experience and know-how gets them through the games.

“They may not be as quick as they once were but their positional sense and their knowledge of the game helps them.

“They know that they aren’t the players they were 10 years ago but while they’re here we should use what they have.

“I’m open to using that experience to help us win football matches.”

Ferdinand was heavily criticised for his early season form but has looked far more solid since the arrival of Powell.

And the Shrimpers chief, who initially left the defender out of the team, has been impressed by Ferdinand’s form.

“Anton wasn’t in the team to start off with and wasn’t captain either. I just wanted him to play his football and he’s been very proactive in his defending,” said Powell.

“Against Doncaster we saw his passing range too.”

Ferdinand and Turner have kept three clean sheets in the last six games and Powell has been pleased to see Turner impressing at the other end too.

“Michael has chipped in with some goals, which has been great to see,” said Powell.

“Positionally he’s very good and the two of them have dovetailed very well.

“It’s helped us pick something up from games and I’ve been pleased for them too because it’s very easy to write players off when they’re older.

“I’ve been there as I played until I was 40, but they’re doing well and in Jason Demetriou and Ben Coker we also have two full-backs who are right at the very top of this league.”