Even before last night's 1-1 draw against Cheltenham Southend United boss Rob Newman had admitted his side's promotion hopes were more or less dead and buried.
Despite having 13 games left to play, Blues are 13th in Division Three.
"Obviously you have to carry on hoping, but we are 11 points away from the play-offs now, which is a massive gap to make up," he said before the Cheltenham game.
"But between now and the end of the season I want to see a positive response from my players.
"The players here need to realise that I will be watching them very closely over the next two months.
"There are a lot of contracts up for renewal and a few questions that need to be answered about certain players' futures at Roots Hall."
More on Southend United FC
What are your views on Southend? Have your say on our Views on the Blues bulletin board
Published Wednesday, February 20, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article