SOUTHEND United defender John White is refusing to put too much importance on tomorrow’s clash with Wycombe Wanderers at Roots Hall.

White skippered the Shrimpers to play-off glory against the Chairboys back in 2015 but an Echosport poll revealed fans feel Saturday’s clash holds more significance than the Wembley final.

But the Shrimpers centre-back did not enter the debate.

“I just look at it as the next game and one we have to try and get points on the board from,” said White.

“We want to claw our way out of the mess we’re in now and in truth we don’t really care how we get the points as long as we add to the tally.

“Of course we would like to play some nice football but that’s secondary to the result.

“That’s all that matters.”

The Shrimpers have not won at Roots Hall since beating Gillingham on New Year’s Day and head into tomorrow’s clash without a victory in their last 13 outings.

However, White felt Blues were boosted by their 2-2 draw at Fleetwood Town last time out.

And the 32-year-old defender is now looking to build on the hard fought point.

“There were a lot of positives to come out of the Fleetwood game,” said White, who returned to the starting line-up at the Highbury Stadium.

“We gained in confidence massively throughout the game too.

“I also think it’s stood us in good stead for what’s to come.”

Blues are 21st in the standings heading into the final five games of the season.

But White remains hopeful the Shrimpers will be able to survive under the leadership of manager Kevin Bond, who was in charge of the team for the first time last weekend.

“Training has been good and spirits are high,” said White.

“The manager has been very specific with what we do with and without the ball and everyone knows their jobs.

“It’s bringing the best out of us all and we’ll be well organised.

“Wycombe will be tough and they’re in a similar situation to ourselves but we’re just focusing on our own game and building on the positives that there were against Fleetwood.”

Wycombe also head into the clash out of form.

The Chairboys have suffered five defeats in succession and have not won in their last 12 outings.