SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher wants his most frustrating period in charge of the Shrimpers to end with a win at Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday night.

Blues have slipped to 12th in the National League standings after suffering six defeats in succession.

And Maher admits it has been his toughest time as head coach since being appointed in October 2021.

"Yes, without a shadow of doubt," said Maher.

"You face challenges in this job which I don't think anyone else can relate to.

"I find it very, very frustrating because we want to do well for everyone."

The Shrimpers latest defeat came at Altrincham on Saturday and the disappointment felt led to Maher having words with a fan after the final whistle.

"The fans are desperate for us to do well too and maybe that bit at the end of the game on Saturday is frustration from me, the fans and everyone," said Maher.

"That’s a consequence of maybe where we’re at and the position in the National League being the size of club we think we are.

"We’ve got to do things properly and it’s hugely frustrating.

"We’ve wanted to freshen up and change to help and we haven’t been able to do that.

"When you fall on the wrong side of tight results it makes it even more difficult to take."

Blues, who have been in a transfer embargo since September, are now nine points outside the play-off positions.

And Maher fully understands why some supporters have called for a change of formation.

"I do understand the frustration but we always look at that and look at ways we think we can affect things," said Maher.

"We’ve changed formations in games quite a bit so we will do whatever we need to do to win games.

"If it’s right to change we will change but at the same time I’ve got to give players belief that they’re doing the right thing a lot of the time.

"We know we need to score more goals and take our chances at the right moment.

"On Saturday for example they haven’t had a shot on target apart from the penalty and we’ve had two great, great chances.

"But we will look at everything. "

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