SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher fears the Shrimpers are already playing catch up - despite kicking off their pre-season campaign with a 5-0 win at Great Wakering Rovers.

The National League club have survived another uncertain summer.

But Maher stressed the consortium close to taking control at Roots Hall must quickly complete their takeover if Blues are to kick on.

“We’re behind with where we are at because of everything that’s gone on,” said Maher.

“We’ve got niggles which means three or four couldn’t play and the environment we’re in at the minute means the ground is hard one day, soft another.

“There’s loads we’ve got to get right and this takeover needs to happen.

“The consortium needs to be able to get in and work properly for us to be able to work properly and get the infrastructure right because we’re still short in a lot of areas.

“We know we’re three or four players short and behind the scenes we’re light as well.

“We need it done and we need the consortium in working with us because we’re two weeks into pre-season and it needs to happen quickly.”

The consortium remain close to officially taking control of the club but it has yet to be officially completed.

And Maher admits work is waiting to be done.

"You can see where we’re short," said Maher.

"Dave Martin moving on means we need another keeper and a goalie coach.

"That’s ongoing and the backroom team needs another body in another area.

"We need three to four players to come in as well we believe."