JOHN White has been left incredibly hurt by Southend United’s relegation but has urged the Shrimpers not to let their pain linger.

Blues will be in the National League for the first time ever next season after suffering back to back relegations.

And White had called on his team-mates to be on the front foot.

“We’ve got to go for it and it’s got to be a fresh start now,” said the Shrimpers skipper.

“We can’t let any of this linger on.

“Things have picked up results wise in the last few games and there has been a shift in the mentality too.

“We feel like we can go against anyone in this league and get a result now but we have to keep on wearing the shirt with pride.”

The Shrimpers finished the season sitting second from bottom in League Two.

And White has by hurt by the poor campaign.

“It’s a tough one to take,” said the centre-back.

“People will say it’s been coming for a while but we were fighting right up until the last game and when it finally hits home it hurts.

“It’s clear for everyone to see we are where we are for a reason and you can’t afford to start the season like we did.

“We were so far behind and we let it carry on too long before we started to turn the corner.

“We fought hard to get some results but then it probably hurts even more because it’s given you hope and it really hurts.”

Blues’ relegation ends a 101 year long spell in the Football League and White is fully aware of the impact it will make.

“It’s huge,” said White.

“This will affect the players, the fans and everyone who works here.

“It affects everyone with regards to jobs, the community and people’s lives.

“It’s not an easy one to take but we take full responsibility and it hasn’t been good enough.”

Blues will now be aiming to bounce back in the National League and White is keen to play a part in that happening.

“I want to stay, 100 per cent,” said the 34-year-old.

“I said that when we went down from League One too.

“I feel like I have unfinished business and I don’t feel like I can leave things as they are.

“Ultimately it’s not down to me but I want to be here to help fight and push us in the right direction and start building to where this club should be.”