KEVIN Maher insists Southend United’s players need the backing of the supporters more than ever before.

Blues host York City at Roots Hall tomorrow amid increasing concern for the future of the club.

But Maher remains determined to succeed, despite the financial issues which sees the Shrimpers squad still waiting for their January pay packets.

 “For me personally I know the club, I’ve been here a long, long time as a player, a coach and now manager,” said Maher.

“I have to succeed and I have no other choice but to succeed.

“I’ve got my kid in the academy so there’s that side of it for me and I need to be a successful manager for the club.

“There’s other stuff we have to deal with but we want to produce a team that makes the fans proud and these players will always go right until the end for the team.”

Blues will head into this weekend’s clash sitting ninth in the National League standings.

And Maher wants the supporters to work with the team to lift the spirits of everyone connected with the club who have until the start of March to pay off a large bill to HMRC.

“It’s difficult for the fans at the minute with the uncertainty but I believe in this club, I always have done, and I believe in the supporters too,” said Maher.

“But we need them more than ever on Saturday.

“We need them at their brilliant best because we have a chance of achieving something this season, despite the noise around the place.

“We’ve got a great chance because I believe in the players and when we’ve got the backing of the fans for the 90 minutes, they can really give that extra energy to the players.

“If they support us the way we know they can we can hopefully achieve something together.”

That quest will continue on Saturday and Maher will ensure Blues are ready for the contest.

“We’ll be prepared and we’re fully focused on Saturday,” said Maher.

“I’m sure they will be too and maybe they’ll be looking to take advantage of the situation they think we’re in.

"But we’ll be ready come three o’clock.”