SOUTHEND United manager Chris Powell has called on his side to stick together in a bid to end their ‘hurt’.

The Shrimpers head into tomorrow’s clash with Fleetwood Town at Roots Hall on the back of three successive League One setbacks.

But Powell wants his team to stay positive as they bid to get back on track.

“They’re a terrific bunch here and they’re all hurting but we have to put all negative thoughts to one side because we have to win a football match,” said Powell.

“We have to stick together, be as one and I have full trust in the boys that we will get through it.”

Blues were beaten 2-0 at Shrewsbury Town last time out, having previously suffered home defeats against Peterborough United and Charlton Athletic.

And Powell - whose side sit 18th in the League One standings - is now keen to see the Shrimpers pick up more points at home.

“We need to give the fans more,” said the 49-year-old.

“We’ve lost three games at home and won one and that’s not right.

“We have to give them something to shout about and be proud of.

“I know they want entertainment and goals and we’ve had that but we’ve been on the wrong side of that so far and we want and need that to change.”

Blues’ next chance to turn things around comes against eighth-placed Fleetwood tomorrow.

But Powell believes the Shrimpers must display determination to win.

“Resilience and character is what I would call it,” said Powell.

“You can’t change too many players’ personalities to almost be angry and aggressive, but you can do it as a whole and influence others when we don’t have the ball.

“We’ve played and introduced a good style of play but you have to stay switched on with it and win your own battles. If you take care of that then the rest of it takes care of itself.

“We know what we need to do and we have to handle it.

“The pressure is on but we’re together and eventually it will come good for us, I’m sure.”