Southend United boss Rob Newman has confirmed he is already gearing up for a major overhaul of his first team squad.

And the 38-year-old Blues chief said yesterday he could bring as many as eight new faces to Roots Hall before the start of next season.

"There could be a very different-looking squad of players in place here before next season kicks off," said Newman.

"I'm trying to get a headstart by compiling a list of potential signings after taking in reserve team games and talking to various managers.

"There could be sweeping changes at Roots Hall next season and I may need to bring in as many as eight new faces.

"I want to make sure I have got a good squad of between 18 to 20 players in place before we get underway again, who are all willing to dig in and work hard.

"I want a team of winners who want to give their full commitment to Southend United week in, week out.

"And with so many players out of contract at the end of this term I should be able to make the changes I believe need to be made.

"I've got the board's backing to bring in new blood and build a team to bring us success."

Newman said he is still learning about football club management and readily admitted that his job was a tough one.

The former Norwich City defender has been in the Roots Hall hotseat for nearly five months now. And during that period of 31 League and cup matches, Newman has suffered mixed fortunes, winning ten, drawing ten and losing 11 games.

"I've got a very difficult job ahead of me, but it is a challenge I am relishing," added Newman, who is in his first managerial post.

"A manager will always get judged on his results, but so far I have had to battle on with the team that I inherited, which has produced a mixed bag of performances that haven't been outstanding.

"I'm not completely happy with what I have currently got at my disposal on the playing staff side. "However, I will have my own team in place before the start of next season and things will be different.

"But people shouldn't start judging me as a manager now, they can do that half-way through next year.

"My team will be in place before then and I'm confident I will turn things round at Roots Hall."

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Published Tuesday, March 19, 2002