SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is finding it tough to add to his Shrimpers squad.

Maher, who takes his team to Solihull Moors this weekend, is currently short of options in key areas of the pitch.

But the Blues head coach admits making signings at this stage of the season is far from straight-forward.

“It’s not the funds, it’s not an easy market to work in at the minute,” said Maher.

“We’re on the phone constantly but no-one wants to lose players and teams are settling into their squads.

“Players are probably involved a lot with teams but maybe it will change in a few weeks.

“Who knows?

“We are talking to people but we’re not close at the minute.

“We’ll keep trying.”

The Shrimpers therefore seem unlikely to add to their squad ahead of this weekend’s clash.

And Maher has called on those already at the club to stay united as they bid to get back to winning ways.

“We stick together,” said Maher.

“We’ve had tough times before and we’re in a bit of a difficult period now but just over a week ago we beat Eastleigh at home with our best performance in a long time.

“Football’s fine margins and we have to keep working hard.

“We have to get the basics right and have the confidence to play the way we think we can play.”

Blues sit 17th in the table after suffering back to back defeats.

But Maher does feel there have been some positives.

“The squad is short but you see what Gus (Scott-Morriss) is doing, you see George Moncur getting through 90 minutes and Macauley got through his first 90 since January too,” said Maher.

“It’s a positive and he will get stronger.

“The injuries are a week closer now so that will come too.”

The Shrimpers will again be without strikers Danny Waldron (knee) and Josh Walker (hamstring) this weekend along with midfielders Cav Miley (back) and Oli Coker (ankle).

However, Walker - who has missed the last seven games - is edging closer to a return.

“Hopefully he’ll be able to join in training next week,” said Maher.

“That will push him closer to being involved again.”

>Blues have confirmed they will not be playing in a newly formed club competition between National League sides and Premier League under 21 teams this season.