SOUTHEND United boss Chris Powell is keen for the club’s supporters to stay right behind his team.

Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Barnsley made it seven matches without a win for the 13th-placed Shrimpers who now sit just four points above the relegation zone.

But Powell wants Blues’ fans to keep on backing the team.

“The fans have been very supportive since the day I arrived and this is when we need them,” said the Southend boss.

“Of course they want to see their team win and perform but we find ourselves in a really difficult position right now.

“That’s when you actually need them even more.

“I know they will always support the team and the club so we have to give something back to them.

“I know we’ve let them down in certain games but we want them with us because we have to go as one.”

The Blues boss opted not to select youngster Isaac Hutchinson in the squad on Saturday despite him being the first substitute to enter the action at Accrington Stanley last weekend.

And Powell confirmed it was not because of an injury.

“I had a squad of 20, with Harry Bunn and Dru Yearwood coming back so I had to leave someone out,” said the Shrimpers manager.

“It was young Isaac and Norman Wabo who missed out this time.”