Chesterfield coach Daniel Webb reviews the Southend United match

The Shrimpers go into Saturday’s match at Roots Hall with not enough options.

But Webb, the Spireites’ assistant manager, is certain the Blues will still be tough to beat.

“Southend’s starting lineup is very strong,” Webb told the Chesterfield YouTube channel.

“Without the points deduction they would have qualified for the playoffs, so they are a good team.

“I’m sure Kevin (Maher) wants more from the players but that’s the sad situation they’re in.

“We highlighted their threats to the team this morning and they are a good team.

“They definitely won’t be at the bottom towards the end of the season.”

Webb is the son of legendary former Blues boss David and also played for the Shrimpers during his own career.

And the former Southend High School pupil is keenly aware of the issues facing his hometown club.

“It’s not my place to say it, but I think Southend’s problems go deeper than international call-ups,” Webb said.

“They have had a lot of problems, especially off the field.

“It looks like they’re going to get out of it but all our focus is on us.”

However, Webb still had much affection for blues music.

“There’s a vulnerability where I grew up and my dad was very successful there, but it’s unfortunate that that compassion is going to go out the window on Saturday as if it were the other way around,” Webb said.

“Kev did a really good job there and they will be looking to get into the playoffs.

“But this is not a wounded animal we are playing with, this is a very good football team.

“They play in a way that suits them and it sticks.

“They are organized and know what they are doing.

“They have some good creative players as well as some destructive players who can break down plays and know the league inside out.

“They are good at defending and they are a goalscorer, so they are a force to be reckoned with and they will not be afraid of us.”