SOUTHEND United fans were quick to express their opinions on Tommy Widdrington’s exit from Roots Hall.

Jamie Forsyth, the editor of Blues’ fanzine All At Sea, said fans had never really developed any affection for Widdrington and had been left feeling “flat” by his sudden departure.

He said: “The first thing everybody worried about was that is was due to the financial strain the club is under.

“But on this occasion it seems it is down to football reasons because he has had a fall-out with Paul Sturrock.”

Forsyth said Widdrington’s main contribution to the club was good non-league contacts, and he was instrumental in bringing in defender Sean Clohessy and Ryan Hall, two of the club’s better performers this year.

But he said fans had not really taken to the 39-year-old former Sailsbury City boss because he was viewed as “loud and abrasive” on the touchline.

Forsyth added: “I think fans have been left feeling a bit flat by it really, and we are more interested now in who will be brought in as a replacement.”

Ken Jarvis, the webmaster of the Shrimpers’ Zone fans’ forum, said: “The people on the site don’t seem unduly worried that he is gone. Many of them are pointing out that we played better on Tuesday without him.

“He came in with no connection to Southend and he will be replaced by someone else soon enough.”

Rob Craven, from the Shrimpers Trust, said: “I don’t really know what to make of it. It’s a surprise because although our league position is not the best at the minute, you got the impression there was a project under way at the club. I hope this doesn’t get in the way of that.

“Widdrington had made quite a good impression with the supporters. He did a question and answer session for the Shrimpers Trust with Paul Sturrock and a lot of what he said was very sound.

“I don’t know what the club is going to do with regard to a replacement, whether it is promoting Graham Coughlan or getting in someone else.

“I know Paul Sturrock has got the contacts in football to find the right replacement.”