GARY Waddock is unsure if tomorrow’s clash at Gillingham will be his last as Southend United’s caretaker manager.

Chairman Ron Martin has stepped up his search for a new Blues boss this week with Henrik Larsson and Adam Barrett both firmly in the frame.

But Waddock - who has been in charge for the last five games following the departure of Kevin Bond - does not know when his spell will be ending.

“I haven’t got an update,” said Waddock.

“As I’ve said before I’ll continue to do the job I’m doing until told otherwise but all I’m focusing on at the moment is preparing the team for the Gillingham game.”

Waddock started well in his caretaker role but suffered disappointing back-to-back home defeats in his last two games.

The Shrimpers were beaten by Accrington Stanley in League One and Brighton & Hove Albion’s under-21 team in the Leasing.com Trophy.

And Waddock is demanding an improved display.

“We have to make sure our attitude is right because in our last two performances the level hasn’t been good enough and we expect better from the group of players we have,” said Waddock.

“We have to get back to what we had when we won at MK Dons. We can’t affect what’s gone on, we can only affect the future.

“That’s tomorrow at Gillingham for us and it’s vitally important we put in a performance which gives us a chance to get the three points.

“If we approach the game in the same manner we did at MK Dons then we’ll give them a game but we have to get to those levels.”