SOUTHEND United have insisted that David Webb is still working for the club.

Webb came back to Roots Hall for the fifth time at the start of the month to take over from Paul Brush as assistant manager.

But the former Chelsea defender has not been on the training ground for more than a week and he has not been at Blues’ last two matches against Walsall and Bristol Rovers.

Several sources close to the club had claimed to be unsure if Webb was still involved with the coaching set-up working alongside manager Steve Tilson.

However, a spokesman for the League One strugglers confirmed that Webb would continue to help out until the end of the season.

“David Webb has a lot of business commitments and dropped everything when he was asked earlier this month to come and assist,” confirmed the spokesman.

“The request of David Webb was to assist Steve Tilson, not be his assistant.

“David said at the time he would slide in and out as needed.

“Steve Tilson can of course deal with the day-to-day training issues until a full-time replacement is found.

“This is already being considered by the manager in readiness for the close season.”

Southend currently sit 22nd in the League One table and are two points from safety with eight games to go.

Blues are at home to Yeovil Town on Saturday and head to relegation rivals Gillingham on Monday.