SOUTHEND Manor are still busy in the transfer market as they look to finish their squad before the start of the new season.

Manor don’t get underway in the Essex Senior League until Tuesday evening against Hullbridge Sports, after Enfield 1893 asked for Saturday’s game to be postponed.

And, while boss Stuart Marshall admits he still has work to do, he says the team will be ready to go in what he believes will be a very hotly contested division.

“We are looking to add four more players by Tuesday and we want to add to the coaching staff,” he said. “It is later than I would have liked but beggars can’t be choosers.

“I think the league is very different now, and with two teams possibly winning promotion teams are spending money as they know they have a better chance of getting out of the league.

“The budgets flying around are ridiculous. Teams that were down the bottom last year could be fighting up the top this year. Everyone has so much to play for.”

Marshall has been bullish about Manor’s own chances, and says he plans to apply for promotion to step four this year.

A 1-1 draw with Witham Town on Wednesday has further boosted confidence at the club.

And while Manor have a difficult start to the season, he has backed his squad to be successful.

“I am very confident we will do well,” he said. “We have quality and have quality arriving and I am more than confident we can hold our own.

“We have a fair budget for this league and the board has backed me, which I am very grateful for.

“Our start couldn’t have been much harder, with Hullbridge, Wroxham (FA Cup), Great Wakering, Takeley and Sporting Bengal our first five games.

“But it is exciting for us all.”