SOUTHEND United manager Steve Tilson today slammed Fifa's proposal of introducing the transfer window outside of the Premiership.

The idea has been discussed by the game's governing body and, if imposed, will restrict the Shrimpers' movement in the transfer market.

"It would make things very tough indeed for the lower league clubs," said the Seasiders chief.

"It's OK for the bigger teams in the Championship who have 30 to 35 professionals on their books, but we - like many teams in our league - work on a budget and have a much smaller squad.

"Right now, in fact, we have 21 and that includes Stuart Williams, who is a youth team scholar."

Under the new guidelines, the Roots Hall outfit would only be able to buy players until the end of August and then for just four weeks during January.

"If these laws are brought in we could get a couple of long-term injuries and be really struggling for bodies - and you're going to get suspensions and things like that too," added the 38-year-old.

"A lot of clubs at this level would look to bring in someone on loan when faced with such a situation, but that wouldn't be able to happen and you could end up in a bit of a mess. Even I might end up getting my boots back on!" he joked.