Southend United's co-owner Ron Martin revealed today he was gearing up for big changes in the wake of Saturday's grim 1-0 defeat at Carlisle.

The Shrimpers supremo threatened a shake up just before Christmas unless Blues brought a halt to their continuing slide down the Third Division table.

But with the weekend bringing the Seasiders' miserable run of form to nine defeats in 12 league outings, Martin said he would be putting his words into action.

"I have closely reviewed the team's recent performances and they aren't good enough," he explained.

"This season's objective was to at least make the promotion play-offs, but that possibility is quickly disappearing.

"I have said before it is unacceptable for Southend United to be 17th in Division Three.

"And now I have some tough decisions to make as we have three options available to us.

"We can change the squad and players who have underachieved, we can bring in a new manager or we can sit back and do nothing. But one thing we certainly will not do is the latter."

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Published Monday, January 6, 2003

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