FURIOUS fans and pub bosses have vandalised plaques, posters and flags after Southend United was left on the brink of falling out of the Football League for the first time in 100 years.

Southend United lost 2-0 to Essex rivals Colchester on Tuesday, leaving supporters in despair.

Bosses at the historic birthplace of Southend United - the Blue Boar pub - have even defaced their own plaque in disgust with graffiti and slogans such as RIP.

The Shrimpers were formed at the pub back in 1906, just yards from its current Roots Hall ground.

Landlady Michelle Gargate said: “With the Blue Boar currently closed until May 17, we decided temporarily amending our posters and plaque is a great way to make a statement about the plight of the club.”

Fans say the defeat at the hands of their Essex rivals was such a disappointment.

Justin Macal, 50, from Benfleet, who has followed the team for more than 30 years, said: “I am almost disgusted by the performance.

“They didn’t even try and didn’t even make an attempt. I do not know what’s going on. I will go on supporting them but it’s so awful and quite upsetting really.

“I think Ron Martin has got a big decision over the next few months. It’s not fair to the fans and people like me for who the club is their life.”

It comes after Southend United skipper John White admitted the Shrimpers were not good enough in their derby defeat to Colchester United.

Nick Ward, Independent councillor for Shoebury and chairman of Southend Council’s development control committee, was worried about the impact of relegation.

He said: “It draws in so many people who then often stay in hotels, and enjoy time in bars and restaurants and spend their money here.

“I’ve been a fan all my life and this is a real shame. If the club goes into relegation that will effect the finances if it becomes non league. It does raise some questions and I think it’s a worry for the fans too.”

Chairman Ron Martin was contacted for comment but did not respond to Echo requests.