CHRIS Powell has issued the following letter to Southend United fans following his departure from Roots Hall.

Firstly, I’d like every Southend fan to know how disappointed I am with how it’s all ended.

It’s a club and area that I deeply care about,so I really wanted the team to achieve and aspire to bigger and better things.

After last season's heroics and going from 20th to 10th in 18 games we all felt good going into the new season.

However as the season progressed,it was clear that the issues(injuries) were going to impact on us enormously.

The players continued, alongside myself and staff to keep trying to push the club on.

The introduction of some very good academy players helped the team to continue in mid table but 2019 as a whole has been hugely disappointing for everyone.

I, as manager, will always take full responsibility for that,as it was my role.

After winning so handsomely at Bradford,the backs against the wall performance at Charlton and the stirring comeback v Portsmouth gave us all hope.

But for me,the Blackpool result had a far more reaching impact on us all.

We fully deserved the win but the way it ended it felt more like a defeat.

This sadly continued into the next few games,affecting performance and confidence and the team now finds itself 20th but not in the bottom four and definitely NOT DOWN.

This is where you supporters come in.

There are seven massive games to go and you all have a pivotal and vital role to play.

The players are a fantastic bunch who need you all now more than ever.

That famous togetherness that SUFC has always possessed has to now come to the fore.

I maintain that the team/club will be stronger for this season and I truly hope that will be the case.

Lastly,can I thank all the staff at the stadium and also at the training ground.

Also to Nick,Glenn and Vicky at BBC Essex who all treated me with dignity and also to all the players for their daily efforts and togetherness throughout my tenure.

More importantly,can I thank all you Southend fans.

We shared some great moments both last season and this but sadly that will not continue.

I’ve always loved the place since way back in the 90’s and I’ve enjoyed the honour of being your manager.

Keep calm and embrace the next seven games and I look forward to seeing you all on opening day at the new stadium.

Forever blue,

Chris Powell

(And thanks to Chris Phillips)