Daryl Sutch today claimed that Southend United's decision to appoint Stewart Robson as head coach last season had cost Rob Newman his job as Blues' manager.

The 31-year-old joined the Shrimpers' Third Division rivals Boston this week, following his Roots Hall release.

And the right-back, who made 16 appearances for Blues, after joining on a free transfer from Norwich City in January, signed off by making Robson's role in Newman's demise crystal clear.

"I came to Southend because I knew Rob from our playing days together at Norwich and I wanted to help push the club towards the play-offs," said Sutch.

"At first things went really well. We won four out of five games following a mid-week victory at Shrewsbury and it looked as if we could make a last ditch run for promotion.

"But Stewart had been appointed by this time and everything slowly started to go downhill.

"The mood in the camp instantly changed and the players started to wonder just what was going on as Stewart had been brought here without Rob's approval.

"All of a sudden we wondered if Rob's job was safe and a lot of the lads became disillusioned because they didn't know what effect this would have on their own futures."

"The appointment of Stewart in January was tailor-made for sacking Rob. I know for a fact he was blocked from bringing in new players as soon as Stewart was on board, which really put the writing on the wall."

Newman eventually got the boot following a 1-0 Roots Hall win against local rivals Leyton Orient in March, ending 17 months in the Southend hot-seat.

Robson was named as caretaker manager and will now work with new Blues boss Steve Wignall, who was handed the job at Easter.

But Sutch said former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Robson would have a tough job on his hands winning over the players.

Published Wednesday, May 21, 2003

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