CHRIS Powell insists he is up for the fight at Southend United.

The Shrimpers have now gone 10 games without a win after suffering a 1-0 defeat against fellow strugglers AFC Wimbledon at Roots Hall this afternoon.

Blues now sit 20th in the League One table and are only above the bottom four on goal difference.

But Powell will not be walking away.

“I’ll always have belief in myself and I understand the position I’m in,” said Powell.

“As a manager you understand what business you’re in.

“I know people will be negative, of course they will be because we haven’t won in a few games.

“I don’t want the club to be where we’re at but we are where we are.

“I understand the question and why you ask it because you should do.

“But I’ll look at myself, the group and be as positive as we can.

“I understand the business and why the fans won’t be happy but I’m not one to shy away from it.”

And Powell still believes the future is bright for the Shrimpers.

“I can see if we get through this period what is here long term and what we can be,” said the 49-year-old.

“But it’s about the here and now and we need to address it ASAP.

“I’m up for the fight.

“It’s my job and I’m here to get the team through the good times and the bad.

“We’ve had some good times and now we’re having tough ones.

“You have to get everyone through it but it’s very, very hard at the moment.

“We have to keep believing that we can get enough points to stay in the League.”