Tilson: 'A few players have knocks, but they soldiered on'
For Blues boss Steve Tilson the moment of truth has finally arrived, it's a win against Brighton Saturday or the chance to escape the dreaded drop zone will surely have gone.
And he knows the Seagulls will not just roll over as they aim to grab the point that will confirm Laague One football for the Sussex club once again.
Tilly spoke to www.southendunited.co.uk: "I tipped them for the top eight this season and they have fell short, but they have got some good results of late. We know we need to win and the lads will be doing their best to get the three points. There are four games left and we have to look to win them all."
Once again the injury curse that has affected the side all season has struck with captain Adam Barrett ruled out, but he knows the limited squad he has at his disposal have to believe they can still escape the awful situation they find themselves in.
Tilly explained: "Adam is a leader on and off the field, but it was not worth taking the risk against Brentford. Jean came in and did well and Pat took over as captain. He has the experience and was the only choice to step in. A few players have knocks, but they soldiered on and they all played Tuesday. Two or three may not have played, but with the situation as it is, they have got to play."
Taricco in his playing days: 'Expect teams to scrap when in a difficult position'
Seagulls assistant boss Maurico Taricco has been brought in by fellow Urugyan Gus Poyet to focus on the Sussex side's defensive play.
Taricco told www.seagulls.co.uk: "Consistancy is what we need to pick up points and to move up the table, so it's about every individual going there to do their job first, and then play as a team. We want every player to make sure they play a six or seven performance every game, because the more consistent we are at doing the basics, the better we are going to be."
As for the match this afternoon, he doesn't expect the Essex boys off-field problems to affect the players once the game kicks- off.
Taricco continued: "Of course it does affect the club, but as individuals, going out on the pitch and performing is what they do for a living, so that's what they will do. It will be a tough game. We have to compete first, then impose our game. Our game is to get the ball down, pass it and open teams up, even if the opposition does not want to play. You expect that with teams scrapping to get out of a difficult position in the table, and we were there two months ago."