MP ANNA Firth has written to the National League to express her concern at how Southend United are being treated.

Blues had just 12 players for Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Bromley at Roots Hall.

And Ms Firth feels more needs to be done to protect the Shrimpers as the current punishments are not affecting those responsible for the problems.

The letter, addressed to the League's General Manager Mark Ives said: 

“Dear Mr. Ives,

Thank you for working so closely with me and Southend United back in July, whilst helping us ensure the club were ready to start the new season.

"I write to you today in the hope that we can have the same productive relationship once again.

"Southend have overperformed by almost every metric this season and turned out some fantastic results in the process, notably a 2-1 victory over Chesterfield.

"However, things simply cannot go on as they are and I implore you to reconsider the current sanctions you have placed on the club.

"Whilst I appreciate that there are criteria you need to see met by Southend United to ensure they are compliant with National League rules, the club is now being punished disproportionately and the continued method of punishment is deeply flawed.

"The continued embargo on player registration needs to be reconsidered and reversed immediately.

"At the time of kick off on Saturday, Southend had two fit players not in the starting 11, but the fact that one was not allowed to be named on the bench due to the terms of your embargo is baffling to myself and many other Southend United fans.

"This was obviously then highlighted by the injury received by David Martin with Gus Scott-Morriss, our right back, having to finish the game in goal.

"I understand your need to protect the integrity of the National League and the clubs competing, however I struggle to see the merit in deliberately handicapping further, a side already depleted by a points deduction and a transfer embargo.

"A cogent argument could be made that this in itself negatively effects the integrity of the league when a side is playing 90 minutes of National League football with only one substitute.

The next point I feel it is important for you to consider is the severe dangers this poses to player welfare.

"An already congested festive fixture list will see Southend play three matches in the space of a week and to do so with a single substitute is at best reckless and at worst unsafe.

"The League has a responsibility to protect its players, who are by all accounts ambassadors for the National League and it is my firm belief that the current sanctions imposed on Southend United means the National League falls short of meeting that responsibility.

"Finally and arguably most importantly, these punishments are disproportionately affecting the fans, players, management and club staff.

"You are well aware who is to blame for Southend United’s non compliance of National League rules and the currently imposed sanctions are affecting them the least.

"The points deduction targeted the club and fans but the continued embargo on transfers and registrations is compounding the situation and not allowing Southend the same rights afforded to their competitors.

"I look forward to hearing from you shortly, where I will happily meet with yourself and representatives of Southend United to work out an appropriate and amicable way forward for both the National League and the club.

With all best wishes, Yours sincerely,”

Anna Firth MP