SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher says the past week has been the hardest he has had to endure in charge of the Shrimpers.

Maher has guided Blues through a number of off-field issues.

But he is now having to overcome more difficulties and will head to Oldham Athletic this weekend with a depleted squad.

“It’s probably the hardest week I’ve had if I’m being honest,” admitted Maher.

“That’s despite last year and everything that’s gone on but I suppose you get used to it.”

Blues will be without injured midfielder Oli Coker (ankle) and strikers Danny Waldron (knee) and Josh Walker (hamstring) on Saturday while midfielder Cav Miley faces a late check on a back problem.

And Maher admits the situation is becoming difficult to deal with alongside the departure of Harry Cardwell - and Ollie Kensdale also being unlikely to play for the club again.

“Josh, Danny Waldron and Oli Coker are three big players out along with Cards going and Kensdale going so it’s a very, very tough time,” he said.

“It’s a slightly different squad to where we finished last year.

“It’s light on numbers and we’re in a difficult period.”

But Maher is trying to add to his squad.

“Recruitment-wise at this stage teams are getting their squads together and don’t want to lose any players,” he added.

“We’re looking at the market of out-of-contract players but it’s difficult to get anything done.

“We’re working hard and we wanted a good crack at it this year.

“We’ve got to work extra hard now to get bodies in.

“But it’s not just about bringing players in.

“It’s about getting them up to speed with systems and work we do.

“That’s the difficult thing but we’ll continue to work as hard as we can.”

The Shrimpers head to Boundary Park sitting 16th in the table with six points from five games.

And Maher is expecting a tough afternoon against the ninth-placed Latics.

“They’ve got a really strong squad with some very, very good players.” said the Blues boss.

“We had a tough game towards the end of last year which was a draw and they’ll always be competitive.

“Oldham is traditionally a brilliant club I obviously know quite well.

“The team are well supported, the fans back their team and they play at a really good tempo and intensity.

“They ask you questions and you’ve got to be ready for it.”