Southend United assistant manager Craig Fagan understands disappointment but wants it to end

Blues head to Torquay United this weekend on the back of two dire defeats, against Halifax Town and Aldershot.

And Fagan is keen to see a poor week end with a vastly improved performance.

“I’ve spent a couple of years here now so I understand the disappointment,” said Fagan.

“We’ve been relegated then relegated again and that’s not a nice place to be.

“We did start OK this season but now we need to kick on and put some points on the table.

“We’re doing everything we possibly can to help the players with that too.

“I’m feeling optimistic about Saturday and I’m looking forward to the game.”

The Shrimpers head into the game sitting 16th in the National League standings.

But Fagan knows Blues will need to produce more quality if they are to triumph against Torquay.

“I think the work-rate was there on Tuesday but there was a lack of quality at times which we’ve gone over,” said Fagan.

“We know we need to do better and we’ve gone over a few things in terms of the performance where that’s concerned.

“There’s no stone unturned and we look at all the data available.”

However, Torquay have also struggled so far this season, taking just four points from their first six games.

And Fagan is hoping the Shrimpers will be catching the Gulls at just the right time.

“They’re not on a great run themselves so it could be a good opportunity to play them,” said Fagan.

“But I’m glad that there’s a game coming up and as players you want to put things straight away.”

Blues will be looking to just that at Plainmoor this weekend.

And Fagan is keen to give the Shrimpers supporters something to cheer.

“The support has been unbelievable and we’re thankful for that because it does make a difference but we’ve got to use it more to our advantage,” said Fagan.

“You hear the groans of disappointment after the game on Tuesday but rightly so and I’m sure they will be behind us on Saturday.”