SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is relishing the prospect of finally being able to add to his squad.

The Shrimpers have been under a transfer embargo for the past 12 months due to money owed to HMRC.

But the embargo is expected to be dismissed at the start of November once Justin Rees and his consortium officially take control.

And Maher will continue to get the best out of his small squad before being able to bring more players, starting with Saturday's trip to Woking.

“The squad is what we’ve got at the moment and we’ve got injuries and things we have to deal with but at least we’ve got clarity now moving forward now with what we’re doing,” said Maher.

“Hopefully within a few weeks and, at the start of November, it will be cleared so we can get to work.

“For the meantime we will need to try and keep getting bodies out on to the pitch and be as competitive as we can in every game.”

However, Maher was keen to praise the players who have stuck with the Shrimpers in tough times.

“First and foremost we have to talk about the players already in the building and what they’ve done,” said Maher.

“It’s been a big ask of them playing so many minutes without being able to change players.

“There will be a process in place of what I think should happen and hopefully we can do that.

“But there’s definitely been an outpouring of relief from everyone at the club.”

Blues performed well to beat Oxford City 2-0 at Roots Hall on Tuesday night.

However, Maher is now turning his attentions towards Saturday’s trip to Woking who are currently eighth in the table.

“We went away from home in the previous two games before Tuesday and got a point in both, albeit in slightly different ways,” said Maher.

“To back it up Tuesday was important but Saturday is going to be another really tough game now.

“Every time we’ve played Woking it’s been very close both ways.

“They will ask questions of us and at home they’re very, very strong.

“Darren (Sarll) has got a great team though.

“I know they’ve had a few injuries but they will be in and around it again this season.

“It’s one we will have to be on top of our game to get anything from.”

Blues will again be without Nathan Ralph (ankle) this weekend while goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi is also out with an ankle issue.

Defender Louis Lomas, who has yet to play this season, remains sidelined with a groin problem and Callum Powell is out with a serious knee injury.