SEVEN days on from one of the darkest days in Southend United’s history, the Shrimpers stopped the rot by recording a 4-1 win against Chertsey Town.

Last time out, Blues had been comprehensively beaten 4-0 by Chesterfield in a game which saw protesting supporters stop play before Phil Brown was dismissed as manager at the final whistle.

Brown’s departure left the Shrimpers with no boss and, off the back of his final game in charge, seemingly no hope either.

It is the toughest ever time to be a Blues fan and long gone are the days where we would all look forward to heading to Roots Hall.

But, while much tougher tests soon lie in store, Saturday’s FA Cup triumph did at least provide some respite for the long-suffering supporters.

Early on however, the Shrimpers seemed to be heading for yet more embarrassment when Casey Maclaren headed Chertsey in front after just five minutes.

The visitors soon wasted a golden opportunity to double their lead when Jake Baxter headed well wide when left unmarked just 12 yards from goal.

And Blues were able to make the most of the let-off as they finally fought back from going a goal behind.

The Shrimpers’ fragile confidence, largely due to the woeful results in the past few seasons, has seen them struggling to bounce back from any kind of setback.

But that was not the case on Saturday as Blues came from a goal down to win at Roots Hall for the first time since beating Cambridge United in September 2018.

That was not the only pleasing factor for the Shrimpers either as Rob Howard impressed on his full debut, Terrell Egbri showed real desire out wide while Jack Bridge again impressed.

Louis Walsh also netted the first senior goal of his career as Blues scored four goals at home for the first time since beating Gillingham 4-0 back in April 2018.

Now nobody is going to suddenly be fooled into thinking everything is all right again at Roots Hall because, put simply, it isn’t.

The problems still run deep but Saturday was at least a small step in the right direction.

Interim head coach Jason Demetriou deserves credit where that is concerned and several members of the squad commented on there being far more positivity among the players since he was appointed.

A permanent manager is expected to be announced this week and it remains arguably the biggest appointment Blues have ever made.

The Shrimpers sit 20th in the National League standings, above the relegation zone on goal difference, and must find the fight to work their way out of trouble.

For me, the very existence of the club would be hugely threatened by a third successive relegation and Blues cannot afford to make another managerial mistake.

So far the signs are good and the whole process seems to be far more professional this time around, with a four man panel conducting interviews with candidates.

Former Shrimpers star Stan Collymore has been heavily involved where that is concerned and he also played a part on Saturday.

Collymore’s passion for Blues was clearly on show as he regularly shouted, whistled and jumped up in the directors box.

And, in one break of play, he also appeared on the touchline for an impromptu team-talk.

That may not be welcome when a new manager does come in but it was hard not to be encouraged by Collymore’s enthusiasm at the weekend.

How long he remains involved is perhaps the main concern but it is clear he is desperately keen to help right now.

But the next few days are desperately importantly for the future of the football club.

The right man must be appointed but who could that be?

Ex Bromley boss Neil Smith certainly knows the league while both Kevin Maher and Graham Coughlan know the club inside out.

Whoever gets the nod will be taking on a huge task and his immediate task will be to bring in a defender.

The Shrimpers had no fit centre-backs for Saturday’s cup clash and reinforcements are needed, in more ways than one, if the win is to be a building block for a brighter season ahead and not just a brief moment of joy.