SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin insists he will not be rushed into appointing a new manager.

The Shrimpers have been without a boss for the past seven days following Kevin Bond’s decision to depart.

But Martin will take his time before confirming Bond’s successor.

“When will we chose a manager? The simple answer is when we are absolutely convinced that we have found the right individual,” said Martin.

“During the week since Kevin departed we have been inundated and continue to receive applications every day.

“Our club is renowned for consistency and support of managers, few clubs have supported managers as we have.

“Prior to Kevin Bond we had just four managers in over 15 years and the next appointment is crucial.”

Blues have yet to pick up a point this season after suffering six successive League One defeats.

But Martin felt he could not have made the managerial change any sooner.

“If Kevin had been dismissed after three or four games, there would be a strong argument that he was not given an opportunity and the club acted unfairly and in a knee jerk reaction,” said Martun.

“That is not the Southend way. We are a club that is loyal to our managers and Kevin deserved a fair crack of the whip.

“That said, six losses on the trot left me with no choice.

“I will never let Southend United to be associated with failure and in that respect the timing I think was right and fair.

“We now have a fresh start.”

And Martin will carefully consider who is next in the Roots Hall hotseat.

“I will sit down carefully and talk with each of the shortlisted applicants over the next week or so but if it takes longer to find the right management team then so be it,” said Martin.

“One thing for sure is that the Echo Newspaper -whilst the relationship is great -will not be choosing Southend’s new manager… the board of Southend United will be choosing our man!

“All candidates will be considered including, potentially, former players.

“However, let’s be clear the passion we all feel for the success of our club is not the only qualification to manage it.”

However, Martin still feels the Shrimpers squad is good enough to succeed.

“This group of players has both quality and characters to compete,” said Martin.

“Despite the shocking start, none of us behind the scene are downbeat.

“We are better placed this year than we were last year in terms of the squad.

“We now need to galvanise the team to ensure that their quality shines through and identify the right person to manage this group.”

Gary Waddock has been placed in charge on a caretaker basis and Martin is confident the Shrimpers squad have prepared well for Saturday’s clash with Fleetwood Town at Roots Hall.

“The players have had a good week’s training and I would suggest probably the best week training since pre-season,” said Martin.

“The mood in the camp is great and they all know the task ahead, starting tomorrow.”