SOUTHEND United’s caretaker manager Gary Waddock will be putting the team’s needs before his own when the Shrimpers host Fleetwood Town on Saturday.

Waddock has been placed in temporary charge following Kevin Bond’s resignation last week.

But the former Aldershot and Wycombe Wanderers boss is refusing to look too far ahead.

“This isn’t about me it’s about the team, the chairman and supporters,” said Waddock.

“It’s about making sure we prepare the team to give ourselves a chance in the game and we’ve done that.

“We’re all in this together from the chairman right the way down.

““We have to roll up our sleeves because it’s a tough time but tough people come through spells like this and that’s what we’re looking for.

“The chairman has asked me, Toddy (Svetoslav Todorov) and Lee (Harrison) to prepare the team and we’ll do that to the best of our ability to get a reaction on Saturday.

“But it’s one game at a time and we aren’t looking any further than that at the moment.”

The Shrimpers have yet to pick up a point in League One this season after suffering six successive defeats.

And Waddock has not actively applied to be the next Blues boss.

“I haven’t put my name in for it,” said the 57-year-old.

“I had a conversation with the chairman at the weekend and we met on Monday morning.

“Whatever is right for the football club the chairman will decide but it was a positive meeting I had with him and one I enjoyed.”

And Waddock also hinted there could be changes made this weekend.

“Everybody has their own view and opinion on how a team should play,” said Waddock.

“We will play differently but that’s down to the players.

“Kevin is a very, very good coach and we’re all responsible for what’s happened.

“But we have to look forward and there’s a long way to go this season so we have to be positive and on the front foot.”

However, Waddock has no idea how long he will stay in charge.

 “There’s no timescale," said Waddock.

"You can imagine how busy the chairman has been with agents and CVs coming in but he’ll make the decision he feels is best.

"He’s been here a very long time and the football club is part of his life."