SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is backing calls for more teams to be promoted from the National League.

As things stand, just two teams are able to work their way back into the Football League every season.

And Maher feels that number should be increased.

“To get out of this league means being the top one out of 24 or via the play-offs which can be a lottery,” said Maher.

“The top end of this league is very competitive and you’ve got to be very good to get out of it.

“In League Two you’ve got to be better than two teams to stay in it and I think that’s why the standard is high in this league.

“When you get out you’re competitive in League Two and you’ve seen that with the teams going up doing well.”

Blues, who head to table-topping Chesterfield on Saturday, are currently in their third season at National League level.

But Maher feels he is not alone in wanting a change to the system.

“Ask anyone in this league and I’m sure they’d like to see it,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“The attendances tell you that too with some of the clubs at this level, none more so than Chesterfield and ourselves.

“It’s something I’d definitely promote but if I was a League Two manager I might not say the same thing but it’s definitely something I think should be looked at.”

The Shrimpers are still hoping to work their way into the play-offs this season and head to Chesterfield sitting 12th in the table, despite being docked 10 points earlier this season for financial irregularities.

But Blues have seen their momentum halted by a trio of postponements, the third of which came at Wealdstone on Tuesday night.

“We wanted to play,” said Maher.

“We had prepped and were ready to go but when we walked on the pitch you could tell it wouldn’t be on.

“It was disappointing for us and I can’t remember having three games off in a row before.

“But it is what it is and we move on to Saturday now.”

And that will see the Shrimpers taking on a Chesterfield side who have won their last 17 matches at home.

“They’re the league leaders, they’re in unbelievable form and the numbers they’re putting up are incredible,” said Maher.

“It’s a great credit to them and the job Paul Cook and his staff have done.”

But Maher is looking forward to facing the Spireites.

“The games we’ve had in the past couple of years have all been fairly tight so hopefully we’ll go there and make a game of it for them,” said Maher.

“Their home form tells you they’re rolling everyone over at the minute.

“They’re doing it every which way they need to to win football matches.

“It’s a tough game and one we’ve got to prepare and look forward to.”

And Maher – whose side beat Chesterfield 2-1 at Roots Hall back in November – wants Blues to embrace the challenge.

"There’s nothing to fear in football,” said Maher.

“You’re going to win games and lose games.

“They will be wary of us as well and will want to get one over on us but it’s two good teams.

“One team are way out in front and one team we feel are getting better.

“Hopefully we’ll pose them problems too.”