SOUTHEND United are set to decide their new manager and the futures of their out of contract players tomorrow.

Chairman Ron Martin remains in talks with Kevin Bond, who ended last season in charge of Blues.

And Martin told Echosport the situation would soon be sorted.

“I’ve been talking to Kevin seriously and we will come to a decision by Friday,” said Martin.

“He's hugely experienced and knows his way around.

"We will also be announcing on Friday which players will be staying.”

Ben Coker, Michael Turner, Amadou Ba, Michael Klass, Ted Smith, Sam Barratt, Stephen Hendrie and John White are all out of contract this summer while Blues must also decide whether or not to trigger options for youngsters Norman Wabo, Lewis Gard, Josh Bexon, Tom Clifford, Harry Phillips and Renei Batlokwa