ALDERSHOT Town boss Tommy Widdrington is pleased to see Southend United working towards a brighter future.

But he does believe the Shrimpers might have “got away with something.”

Blues were allowed to start the season despite incredible uncertainty surrounding their future due to their severe financial issues.

And the Thorpe Bay based Widdrington, who will be back at Roots Hall with Shots today, felt Southend could have faced more serious punishments.

“I feel sorry for the fans and the town because I live in it and I know what it’s like to feel like it was almost slipping away,” said Widdrington.

“That should never happen to a club like Southend.

“But, on the flip side and putting my business head on, me being a manager of another football club in the division I almost feel like they’ve got away with something they shouldn’t have been able to get away with.

“They’re still in there fighting and I firmly believe they will win that fight.”

Blues remain above the relegation zone on goal difference following Tuesday night’s 2-1 at Maidenhead United.

And Widdrington, who had a short spell as the Shrimpers assistant manager in 2010, has been impressed by the job done by Kevin Maher and his staff who were rocked by having 10 points deducted earlier this season.

“The whole football operations there deserve a pat on the back,” said Widdrington.

“There have been problems behind the scenes there for many years and it should have been dealt with before now.

“They’re in a false position because of that points deduction.

“The squad is very much good enough to be challenging at the top end.

“Six or seven of our last eight opponents have been top 10 teams and we look at Southend as that too.”

Aldershot head into this afternoon’s clash sitting fifth in the National League standings.

But Widdrington remains keen to push on.

“The remit when I came in was to stay in the division which we managed,” said Widdrington, who was appointed by the Shots in April 2023.

“After that you want to start improving.

“One aim was some sort of success in the FA Cup which we managed and we improved our home form which was a tick in the box but we don’t want to just stop because we’ve surpassed everything we’ve been asked to do so far.

“We’re pleased with the progress but we want to push further all the time.”

Shots will therefore be keen to pick up points at Roots Hall this afternoon.

And Widdrington is relishing his own local derby.

“I’m looking forward to it and it’s like a home game for me because I live round the corner,” said Widdrington.

“I’ve got memories of being there for a short period a long time ago and I’m a fairly regular visitor there if we haven’t got a game.

“I know the place well and I’m looking forward to the game.”

The two teams drew 1-1 at the EBB Stadium back in September.

And Widdrington felt Blues were in fine form that night.

“I thought Southend team were the better team when they visited the EBB Stadium,” said Widdrington.

“I know Kev really well and his staff and they were the better team on the night.”

Widdrington hopes it is a different story on Saturday but remains keen for Blues to do well after this weekend’s clash.

“We understand the situation and what’s been going on off the field,” said Widdrington.

“Hopefully that’s behind everybody now, it’s certainly very close to being behind every body and everybody can focus on football.

“I just hope it just doesn’t all come together before we play them on Saturday.”