Southend United's board have stepped up their hunt for a new manager to replace departed boss David Webb.

The Shrimpers' directors held a two-hour emergency meeting at Roots Hall on Thursday night to discuss their options.

And the Third Division club's co-owner Ron Martin said: "We have already received eight applications and I'm sure there will be lots more.

"Luckily, we have somebody as reliable as Rob Newman, who is also a contender for the job, in charge of team affairs, which will give us time to make the right decision.

"We hope to start interviewing people early next week and we may even see somebody today. But one thing we won't do is make a hurried appointment."

Martin would not name any names, but did reveal that one of the applicants was a former Shrimpers goalkeeper, who has played at the highest level.

Doncaster Rovers boss Steve Wignall, who managed Colchester United and was interviewed for the Southend job three seasons ago, is also rumoured to be interested again.

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