Southend United boss Rob Newman denied he was feeling the pressure following Saturday's 1-0 Roots Hall defeat against Wrexham.

Visiting midfielder Steve Thomas grabbed the only goal of the game just before half-time, extending Blues' depressing run to five consecutive defeats.

But Shrimpers chief Newman said he was determined to battle on and turn things around at the Third Division club, who are now 15th in the table.

Smothered - Wrexham keeper Paul Whitfield denies Southend midfielder Jay Smith at Roots Hall on Saturday Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

"It's not my manner to feel under pressure," he said. "I fully believe in my players and we will all stick together to get things right.

"They are certainly still working hard for me and I think we have been desperately unlucky in a lot of ways.

"Of the nine League games we have lost this season, seven have been by one goal, which doesn't suggest we have been outplayed, but punished for making a mistake."

And Newman praised the Roots Hall faithful for remaining patient with his team despite another setback.

"The crowd were brilliant and never got on the players' backs," he added. "But they can see the lads want to win for them."

Looking back at the game, Newman said: "We've given away a soft goal again, but we've hit the bar, had a goal disallowed and had another effort cleared off the line."

Published Monday November 4, 2002

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