City's pace is a threat, says Southend manager

SOUTHEND manager Steve Tilson has warned his side Exeter City striker Marcus Haber poses a major threat to their survival prospects.

The Canadian-born frontman has yet to open his account for the Grecians after signing from West Bromich Albion on a one-month loan deal.

KEY MAN: Southend's Francis Laurent (left) battles with Colchester's Magnus Okuonghae during the Shrimpers 2-1 league defeat in December. Despite some indifferent form the Frenchman remains Steve Tilson's top midfielder

But Tilson reckons his pace could cause his side problems in tomorrow's relegation battle at Roots Hall.

"Exeter are a decent side," he said. "They will probably play five at the back and they will be hard to break down.

"They have got a lot of pace up front. Marcus Haber is on loan from West Brom — he is 6ft 3in and very quick.

"They are down there with us and they will be looking to get out of that bottom four just as we are."

Southend's problems have been mounting this season with an unpaid tax bill leaving them flirting with administration.

And although they have been given a 35-day stay of execution to settle the debt, a transfer embargo has been placed on the club.

"We can't bring anyone in so we have got what we have got and we have to get on with it," said Tilson, whose side have not won since late December.

"It is tough at the moment with all the problems we have had. But we have to keep positive, get on with it and see where it takes us.

"I am not the one paying the tax bill — the chairman is dealing with that.

"That is not my concern and we have to concentrate on what we are doing on the pitch. We have got 12 cup finals coming up."

Southend moved this week to replace sacked assistant manager Paul Brush with former Torquay United boss Dave Webb in a bid to revive their ailing fortunes.

"What is important now is that we get some points on the board and it really doesn't matter how we do that, but the Exeter game is the first cup final of many," said Webb.

Southend skipper Adam Barrett has rallied his teammates to put their off-field problems behind them and start climbing the League One table.

"The horrible side of football is that we must crack on and it's a massive match for us against Exeter," said Barrett.

"The club's problems have been well documented and we find ourselves in a difficult situation, but we have to dig in, work our socks off and try to give everyone a lift.

"The players, staff and fans all need one and by hook or by crook we have to get a result, which will hopefully help us turn the corner."