SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher feels enforced changes have led to his side's inconsistent form.

The Shrimpers currently have four first team players out injured and have also been hit by the departures of defender Ollie Kensdale and striker Harry Cardwell.

And Maher believes that has slowed Blues' progress.

"If you look at the squad we had at the start of the season to now it's a lot different," said the Shrimpers boss.

"If you take a step back and look at it logically we've been a bit up and down but that comes with the players we've lost, the players that are injured and the size of the squad.

"Sometimes it just takes a bit longer for things to knit together.

"I'm sure once we get injured players back and one or two players we want to get right we'll be in a much stronger position."

However, Maher stressed there will be no quick fix.

"Everything that's gone on at the club it's taken time," said Maher.

"I keep saying in interviews that nothing can happen overnight.

"What we've got to do is stick together, keep working hard and keep believing in what we do.

"We did that last year as a club so this year shouldn't be any different.

"We'll grow and get better the longer the season goes on."

The Shrimpers are currently 13th in the table with 14 points from 11 games.

And Maher is expecting a close tussle with fifth placed Gateshead at Roots Hall this weekend.

"They were brilliant last year and again this year," said Maher.

"They've started well but had a couple of tough results before the win on Tuesday.

"They're a very good side who are really well coached.

"They deserve to be up the top end of the table and they've got a way of playing which is brilliant.

"They've always been tough games against them and there hasn't been much between us.

"I expect more of the same on Saturday."