SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher admits losing Kacper Lopata ‘was part and parcel’ of being in charge at Blues.

Lopata – who looks set to see the season out with another National League club – left Roots Hall after handing in his notice following a ‘serious breach of contract’ which saw him having to wait an additional 28 days for his January wages.

The Shrimpers have lost all five of their matches following the defender’s departure.

And when asked if the defeats were down to Lopata leaving, Maher said: “We’ve lost players, that’s a fact and I can’t get away from that.

“Kacper was a big player for us.

“He came in and did brilliantly for us.

“He’s chosen a course of action that’s worked for him and what he wanted to pursue.

“I can’t control that, that’s out of my hands but it’s part and parcel of what we have to deal with.

“Unfortunately he’s gone now and all the focus is on the players who are here.”

A League One club have also been interested in signing Lopata but it is not yet known if his latest switch to the National League will be on loan.

Blues also suffered five defeats in succession shortly after Lopata's loan deal from Sheffield United ended last season.

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