New Southend United boss Rob Newman promised to bring in fresh faces following last night's 2-0 Third Division defeat at promotion-chasing Scunthorpe.

Blues took the game to their hosts at Glanford Park during the opening period, but a second-half collapse condemned the Shrimpers to a miserable fifth successive away League defeat.

Former Southend hitman Martin Carruthers and ex-Everton winger Peter Beagrie did the damage, leaving the Seasiders to slip to 15th place in the League table, just three points off bottom spot.

And Newman, who was unveiled as Blues' new manager on Monday, admitted he needed to bring players to Roots Hall who had the match-winning calibre of the Iron's goalscorers.

"The big advantage Scunthorpe had over us is that they had players who can turn games," he said.

"We haven't got enough experienced players in certain areas of the pitch who can win a match out of nothing and I will be addressing that.

"When you look at Scunthorpe's team they had players like Beagrie, Carruthers and Lee Hodges who can all provide that extra spark and that is what we need at Southend."

Newman admitted it was disappointing to begin his managerial career with a loss. "I wanted to get something out of my first match as manager - but I couldn't have picked a harder game to begin with to be honest," added Newman.

"At the start of the season I tipped Scunthorpe to win the League. They have a very experienced side and I'm sure they will be up there at the end of the season."

But Newman also praised his players for sticking to their task. "I couldn't knock any of the lads for effort as they have given me everything.

"The players are hurting in the changing room because they know they put on a good first-half display, when Tes Bramble missed a great chance, but let it slip after the break."

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