SOUTHEND United fans have been expressing their fury at the departures of Adam Barrett and Alan McCormack.

Damian Scannell now looks certain to follow the experienced duo out of Roots Hall.

And Blues supporters are extremely concerned about their club’s future.

“I am absolutely appalled at the way the club is treating players that have little choice but to leave,” said season card holder Martin Cass.

“The club’s recent statement following the termination of Barrett and McCormack’s contracts was frankly despicable.

“The line “The club's management wishes them well in finding new employment on similar terms.” is laden with bitterness at those players wanting to find the best terms for themselves and their families for which they have every right.

“The statement implies that they are somehow to blame for being on ‘high wages’.

“The statement also tries to create an atmosphere where the fans turn on the players rather than acknowledging it is the club that has serious problems.

“But we are not stupid and can see straight through this nonsense.

“I strongly suggest the club start treating the players and fans with a bit more respect than they are currently giving us credit for.”

The statement also angered Jamie Forsyth, the editor of Blues’ fanzine All At Sea.

"This statement is a disgrace and sums up the way the administration of the club has treated players and fans for some time,” said Forsyth.

"It is a veiled insult that implies that they are over-paid and won't get a similar deal elsewhere, yet the club seems to forget who offered them the contracts in the first place.

"These are two players that have battled and fought hard for Southend United and will be remembered fondly by supporters.

“The club is becoming incapable of accepting the fact that players might not want to play for a club that treats them like dirt.

"The statement implies they were acting unreasonably rather than accepting that we have serious problems."

Ian Nichols added he was concerned Southend would not even have enough players to field a five a-side team, while Ken Jarvis of the popular fans website www.shrimperzone.com was also quick to point out the fears of the fans.

“The supporters are seriously worried about the future of the club,” said Jarvis.

“There just doesn’t seem to be any good news whatsoever.”