SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock insists he will stand by the club’s jailed winger Ryan Hall.

The 23-year-old will spend the next 10 weeks behind bars after being charged with affray following an incident on the club’s Christmas party in December.

But Sturrock will not be turning his back on Hall.

“I think people deserve a second chance in life and Ryan will play for this football club again,” said the Scotsman, who takes his team to Morecambe tomorrow.

“I’m surprised he’s been given a custodial sentence, especially in a time when all the jails are full up and I’m gutted for him.

“However, he made a mistake on the night and he now has to pay the price for making the wrong decision.”

Hall’s legal representatives were due back in court again today to appeal for bail, pending an appeal against the sentence.

But Sturrock does not expect Hall to play for Blues again this season and knows that will hit his side hard.

“Ryan has been in great form for us recently and has played a huge part in the success we’ve had in working our way up the table,” said Sturrock.

“He’s made a number of our goals and chipped in with a few himself so he’s been a very important player and we are definitely going to miss him.

“It really is a huge blow for us.

“But I’m the manager of this football club and, unless I’m told otherwise by the people above me, he will come back to us because I don’t want this to ruin his career.”

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO