Southend United chairman Ron Martin says he still has good working relationship with boss Sol Campbell

The Shrimpers chief appears frustrated at having to field such an inexperienced starting line-up.

But Martin believes there are no problems.

“It’s fine,” said Martin.

“I want Sol to succeed and he’s already brought more structure on the pitch that we didn’t have under Gary (Waddock) and Kevin (Bond).

“We were leaking goals galore but we aren’t doing that now and we have the kids playing.

“Some people are playing out of position too but they’re doing well.”

Campbell was unable to add to his Shrimpers squad during the January transfer window.

And Martin was quick to point out he must do what is best for the club.

“I’m not just managing on the pitch, I’m managing off the pitch as well,” said the Shrimpers chairman.

“I have to look to the future so I can’t make ad-hoc, irrational decisions to bring players in when we may be changing it all in the summer.

“That would be foolhardy.

“I’ve got to put an investment in to clear the opportunity to sign these Macclesfield players and that’s £600,000 minimum.

“But I’d rather put that cash in than sell other players.”

And Martin confessed he could have sold three other first team players during the January window.

“I could’ve sold Elvis (Bwomono), Stephen Humphrys and Charlie (Kelman) but I chose not to,” said Martin.

“The young players have stepped up to the plate and shown they’re totally committed.

“I’ve been pretty impressed by some of our academy players. Before they were given the opportunity people had hardly heard of them and Tom Clifford, in particular, has slotted in at left-back very, very well.”

But Martin is fully aware he cannot please everyone.

“It’s a constant battle and I can’t win any argument really,” said Martin.

“If I spend more money and put the club into financial difficulties then people will blame me but if I don’t sign players they blame me for that.

“It’s an impossible task. I do support the club enormously and many, many millions have gone in over an extended period and I will continue to support the club.

“But if I did walk out tomorrow then this club would be bust.

“No-one would thank me for that but no-one will thank me for signing players we might want to get rid of in three months because I’ve overstretched the budget should we be relegated.

“Everyone thinks they could do a better job than Ron but actually I have had 22 years of experience with this and I do know all the opportunities.”