SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is still planning for a bright future with the Shrimpers - despite fears Saturday’s clash with Gateshead may be the club’s last at Roots Hall.

Blues have until the start of March to pay off a large tax bill believed to be in the region of £2million.

But Maher is keeping his focus on the football and maintaining a push for the play-offs.

“The players and staff are together and the atmosphere around the place is still really good,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“You saw what they produced against Halifax the other night and that’s our focus.

“The other stuff is hopefully on the way to being done and we’ll hopefully have a bright future from there.

“All we can control is the football side and producing good results to keep us in and around the play-offs.

“Fingers crossed we can do that because that makes for a better football club.”

Blues also have away games at Notts County and Torquay United before being back in the high court due to the winding up petition from HMRC.

But, despite the ongoing issues which include the players still waiting for their January wages, the squad remain incredibly close knit and Maher feels that is vitally important.

“When I was here as a player and we had success it was always very similar to what we have now in terms of the togetherness,” said Maher.

“I always knew it was something that was massively important to build and create.

“It’s not the easiest thing to do, in fact it’s probably the hardest thing in the football club to create a culture like that.

“But it’s a work ethic which is important.

“They work their socks off every day and that’s players and staff.

“They want to be here, work together and achieve success together.

“The Shrimpers have won their last three league games to sit sixth in the National League standings.

But, despite being 21st in the table, Gateshead have lost just one of their last seven league games and Maher is expecting a tough test.

"It's relentless at the moment and Gateshead have been in very good form," said Maher.

"They came back the other night to get a point and we know from going to their place how well they can play.

"But we’re at home and with the crowd behind us we’ll be looking for another good performance.