Ten full-time players left and counting down, are the kids alright?
Following the Shrimpers drop into the basement division, along with not getting paid on time, there has been a steady line of players decing to leave the mecca that is Roots Hall.
With only 10 professionals left, and at least three of them could be on their way before the season starts on August 7th, and a transfer embargo still in place, there may be little choice than to blood a few of youth team boss, and still in charge of a reserve side without a league, Ricky Duncan's successful under-18 side, maybe a little earlier than he would have liked.
Speaking to BBC Essex Ricky said: "We set out a policy to bring our young players on, with the likes of Johnny Herd and Franck Moussa coming through. A lot of Championship, League One and League Two clubs do give their youngsters more of an opportunity to push forward and it becomes a breeding ground for young players, especially here at Southend.
Young Harry, might get a few more games than he expected next season!
Fair enough, and it would go to see Harry Crawford get an extended run, but most of those clubs Ricky is talking about don't throw them in at such a young age in such a large number and not expect to struggle.
One or two around some decent experienced old pro's for sure, mix and match and all that, but until Tilly can actually get out there and try and sign someone, anyone, the kids better be alright!
(In the meantime, the players that are left have been given an eight week plan to get fully fit, no laughing now, wonder if Macca started it: www.southendunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10444~2080802,00.html)