THE perilous state of Southend United’s off-field issues are by now incredibly well-known.

Of course, they remain deeply concerning and there are genuine concerns as to whether or not the crisis hit Shrimpers can survive beyond the start of March.

But, amid that depressing backdrop, there is something rather remarkable happening on the pitch.

And it definitely deserves to be highlighted.

This is a Southend United squad who have not been paid this year and a squad which has not been able to be strengthened since September.

The long list of issues could fill these pages alone and, in fact, they probably have for the past few weeks.

However, it is now time to praise the players, management and staff for what they are continuing to produce in the most difficult of circumstances.

These players are certainly not on mega bucks and will be deeply concerned by the uncertainty surrounding their salaries.

But, looking at their performances, you would never be able to tell.

This Shrimpers squad were always a tight-knit group but the seriousness of the recent setbacks have galvanised them even further.

At a time when it would be easy to go through the motions, to not put in that extra yard of effort or to even wallow in self pity, Southend have won four league games in succession to solidify their place in the play-offs.

And it is the most proud I have felt of a Shrimpers side since winning promotion back in 2015.

All over the pitch, there is character in abundance and a willingness to work and fight to succeed.

But others are playing their part as well.

The importance of the superb supporters cannot be emphasised enough at this stage while staff behind the scenes continue to work tirelessly despite not being paid since November.

It is a disgusting situation and chairman Ron Martin does not deserve the level of staff that surrounds him given the ongoing way he treats them.

That certainly includes the unassuming head coach Kevin Maher who is performing absolute miracles to stop the Shrimpers falling apart.

Maher went through tough times during his own playing career but he also has the characteristics to help those around him in difficult times and above all else he deeply cares for Southend United.

It’s quite scary to think that I first interviewed Maher 25 years ago and it is his knowledge of the club which I think enables him to keep on going.

Several others managers have been left completely staggered by what has unfolded in front of them after taking the Roots Hall hot-seat.

But Maher knew exactly what he was walking into.

Due to his interest in Blues, he actually stayed in touch with me while he was working elsewhere.

I vividly remember him calling a few days after Phil Brown had been sacked for a quick chat and me telling him whoever wanted the job next must be mad!

A week later I was interviewing Maher as the new Shrimpers boss and I would guess he now agrees with my original assessment!

However, Maher’s passion for the club means he will dig deep and get on with whatever comes his way.

That will rub off on those around him and has helped to create a genuine togetherness which was again apparent on Saturday.

Seventeen-year-old Henry Sandat bagged the only goal of the game on his first start and that brought a nice reward for the youth team staff who have also experienced extremely tough times this season.

The striker’s early effort was a certainly a memorable moment and so too were the scenes after the final whistle when the Shrimpers squad were roared off the Roots Hall pitch.

It was a real goose-bumps situation which I know I am not alone in finding quite emotional given the ongoing uncertainty.

This club has so many good people, players and characters all pulling together – yet none of us know what will happen next.

And there is a chance that Saturday’s game might be the last Southend United ever play at Roots Hall.

Even writing those words sends a shiver down my spine but it is the reality of the situation contrived by the financial mismanagement of one man.

And every single person connected with Southend United who was in that stadium on Saturday deserves so much better.