SOUTHEND United Kevin Maher will not let his side’s indifferent pre-season be used as an excuse for the Shrimpers in the National League this term.

Blues kick off their campaign against Oldham Athletic at Roots Hall on Saturday having been able to play just two warm up matches in public.

But Maher remains firmly focused on getting the best from his small squad which is restricted to just 16 players due to a transfer embargo.

“We missed out on some things we wanted to do and we’ll have to factor that in but we won’t find excuses,” said Maher.

“We want to find a way of getting the best out of what we have and we’ll see where that takes us.

“We can all talk about pre-season and what has gone on and what hasn’t but 3pm on Saturday is all that matters and these players will be ready.”

The Shrimpers’ squad stopped training together for a week during pre-season as they waited for their wages and face a tough opening fixture tomorrow.

Oldham are tipped by many to push for promotion this season.

And Maher knows the Latics -who he played for during the 2008/09 season - will be difficult to beat.

“I have no doubts they will be up the top end of the table this season,” said Maher.

“We played them at the start of last year and they were probably in a difficult position themselves then.

“You can see how far they’ve come since then and they’ve recruited ever so well.

“We’re up against a team on a high who have recruited well and spent money.

“They’ve got things the way they want them and we’ve been different to that.

“It’s a tough test but it’s one we want to go and attack.”

And Maher is also not thinking too far beyond this weekend’s clash.

“I haven’t looked too much further ahead than Saturday to be honest,” said Maher.

“We set goals throughout the season and where that's at right now we’ll see.

“We’re working day by day so lets go full tilt at the first game and see where that takes us.

“We’re behind what everyone has done pre-season, we know that and it’s obvious.