SIMON Cox is keen for Gary Waddock to remain at Southend United, even if he is not named Blues’ next boss.

Waddock is expected to again be caretaker manager for the Shrimpers’ trip to Gillingham this weekend.

And Cox would love the former Wycombe Wanderers chief to stay at Roots Hall.

“He’s been great and I couldn’t speak highly enough of him,” said Cox.

“He’s been honest and training has been great.

Whether it’s Gary or someone else a decision needs to be made.

“But I for one and I feel as though I speak for lots of players in the dressing room would like Gary to stay in some capacity, if he’s not the manager.

“I do feel sorry for Gaz because he’s come in and changed a lot in a short space of time.

“He’s got us that first win and I felt like we let him down in the Accrington game because we didn’t do the same as we did against MK Dons.”

The Shrimpers lost 1-0 to Accrington in a game which saw Cox limp off with an ankle injury.

But the striker is confident he will be fit enough to feature at the weekend.

“It’s not too bad and it’s certainly not as bad as I first thought,” said Cox.

“I went to London on Tuesday to have a scan and it came back saying I had overstretched the tendon but the guy wasn’t overly concerned.

“I think it will just be a case of strapping it up, taking some painkillers and getting back out there.”

And Cox is also keen to face Gillingham due to his recent success against the Kent club.

“I’ve enjoyed my time going there and we’ve had good results there too in the League,” said Cox who has scored three goals in his last two visits to the Priestfield Stadium.

“I’ve scored over 100 goals so I’ve scored against a few teams but there are normally teams I do enjoy playing against.

“Leicester was one and somehow when I was with Swindon and other clubs I would always find myself in a position to score a goal.

“The last few games have gone well against Gillingham too so hopefully that can continue.”

But Cox is far more concerned about the team than his own success.

“If we start winning games and I don’t score another goal all season I’ll be happy with that,” said the striker.

“If I start scoring and we also win I’ll be even happier but we all need to be pulling in the same direction.”