SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Bond admitted it may have been a mistake to throw Liam Ridgewell straight into the Shrimpers’ starting line-up.

The experienced 35-year-old defender joined Blues on the eve of the new season after not playing in pre-season.

And, after Ridgewell found it tough in the 3-1 defeat to the Tangerines, Bond felt it could have been mistake to start with the centre-back so soon.

“In fairness Liam was drafted in and I may have been unfair to him by bringing him in so quickly but I wanted to play that way today,” said Bond.

“It might have been too early for him because it was difficult.”

Ridgewell played on the left hand of three centre-backs but was taken off after just 52 minutes.