FOOTBALL rarely does fairy-tale endings.

And Chris Powell’s tenure as Southend United manager further underlines that point.

Powell arrived at Roots Hall already firmly established as a Shrimpers legend.

And, to start off with, his appointment seemed to be a perfect match.

The former Shrimpers left-back inherited a side short of spirt and confidence, sitting just one place and one point above the relegation zone.

But the 49-year-old made an immediate impression and claimed 32 points from the final 18 games of the season to secure a 10th place finish.

After such a strong finish to the campaign, expectation levels rose through the Roots Hall roof and a push for at least the play-offs seemed to be on the cards.

But what ultimately transpired was a painful season of continuous setbacks.

Injuries, of course, have not helped and at times this term, Blues have been missing up to as many as 14 players.

However, those still available should have been able to perform to a far higher level than seen in the last few weeks of Powell’s reign.

The damning statistics are of course by now well known.

The Shrimpers have gone 11 games without a win, have taken just four points from a possible 33 and only goal difference is keeping them above the relegation zone.

Subsequently, many will be wondering where it went wrong for Powell.

And, in hindsight, the problems arguably began back in the summer.

Midfielder Michael Timlin was allowed to leave after originally being told he would be an offered a new deal and the Shrimpers have severely been lacking in bite and aggression all season.

Players with poor injury records were brought in, only to again get injured.

And the Shrimpers started to become a bit too nice to play against.

A lack of creativity was another concern and the constant chopping and changing, in both personnel and systems, seemed to cause confusion and meant Blues were a team without an identity this season.

Before too long, Southend also seemed to adopt a negative mindset and played not to lose rather than forcing themselves onto the opposition.

As such, Simon Cox – the one shining light this season – was often left incredibly isolated in attack – and results began to worsen.

Powell’s options in the final third were not helped by a disastrous transfer deadline day in January which saw Theo Robinson join Swindon Town without a replacement being signed.

A facial injury sustained by Stephen Humphrys therefore hit Blues hard and Powell was left relying on untried and untested youngsters at the business stage of the season.

It could therefore be argued Powell was trying to make the most of the bad hand he had been dealt.

And, who knows, had he had more attacking players available, then the Shrimpers may have adopted a more positive approach.

But, putting it simply, Southend looked a side destined for the drop had nothing changed and Saturday’s sub-standard showing at Peterborough United showed it.

With more than 900 travelling fans roaring them on at London Road, it was a game calling for passion, pride, determination and guts.

Yet the Shrimpers produced a lacklustre display and failed to register a single shot on target.

Sadly, when clubs need to stop the rot, it is the manager who pays the price.

And this is a day which is right up there with the saddest I have had covering the club.

For me, Southend United is not just a side I write about, it is my home-town club and the one I have supported since the age of seven.

At that time, a certain Chris Powell was the Shrimpers’ left-back and, just like thousands of others, I was desperate for him to succeed as manager.

Rarely before would a manager have had so much good will behind him but sentiment counts for very little in football.

Results speak louder than words and Ron Martin – one of the most loyal chairmen in the game – has decided to act.

At other clubs, the manager may have gone sooner after such a wretched run of results but this is now the final roll of the dice for Blues in their bid to beat the drop. 

And, while it may be the right call, it is one longer serving supporters, just like myself, will take little pleasure from as what could have been a football fairy-tale finished without its happy ending.