Alan Little's reign as Southend United manager is over after just 17 months in the Roots Hall hotseat.

The Shrimpers' owner Ron Martin sacked Little, 45, on Thursday afternoon, just 48 hours before Blues' trip to Third Division high-flyers Rochdale on Saturday.

Announcing his shock decision Martin said: "Alan Little's contract as the manager of Southend United has been terminated with immediate effect. I have relieved Alan of his duties as I do not consider him capable of doing the job we require.

"We want to get this club back into the Second Division and we will be appointing a manager who can motivate the players and achieve this goal for us.

"This is not a slur on Alan's person because he is an exceptional and genuine person. But we want results and I have decided to make changes at the top. This club is underachieving and it needs to stop!"

Blues owner - Ron Martin announces Alan Little's departure at Roots Hall yesterday

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

(Left) Sacked - Alan Little was given the bullet as Southend manager on Thursday afternoon

Picture: DAVE MONTIER

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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