MONEY talks goes the old adage.

But right now it is the lack of it which is speaking volumes for Southend United.

The Shrimpers have so far failed to bolster a squad in desperate need of strengthening and are apparently unable to match the £50,000 asking price for Stockport County defender Michael Raynes.

On top of that, Blues failed to snap up striker and fans’ favourite Theo Robinson on a permanent basis after being outbid by the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion and Swindon Town.

And another transfer target — left-back Dan Harding — was out of Southend’s wage bracket Subsequently the squad — which surged up the table during the second half of last season — has been severely weakened with player of the year Peter Clarke deciding to depart along with fellow centre-back Dorian Dervite who has returned to Tottenham Hotspur after a successful loan spell.

The Roots Hall hierarchy remain upbeat.

They are confident that signings can soon be sorted.

But it is hard to share their positivity and it is only natural that the supporters, who have purchased season cards in higher numbers than last term, are starting to ask questions.

They too can see that Blues are crying out for a centre-back, a left-back, a winger and another striker.

And they will also be frustrated at seeing their side looking at free agents from Estonia and Holland while their League One rivals bring in a series of new signings.

Near neighbours Colchester United, who survive on lower crowds than Southend, have already completed four transfers with more on the way and you have to feel sympathy for Shrimpers manager Steve Tilson.

Tilly will again have to pull rabbits out of hats in the shape of loan signings and must hope that expectations remain realistic because right now Southend would be doing extremely well to finish even in the top half of arguably the toughest ever League One table.

Anything higher will require greater investment and, only then, may there be something more upbeat to talk about.