TIMOTHEE Dieng insists Southend United’s squad are excited by the names being linked with the managerial role.

Celtic legend Henrik Larsson remains favourite to be the Shrimpers’ next boss but former England international Sol Campbell has also been linked with the position.

And Dieng says Blues’ players are continuing to track the situation.

“We are reading the comments on who could come in but we are waiting,” said the midfielder.

“It’s good that some big names are interested in taking charge of a club like Southend United and us players and it would be exciting as well.

“But it’s what that man will bring to us.

“We respect Gary Waddock, Kevin Bond and Chris Powell and we will respect the new man too.”

Waddock has been the Shrimpers’ caretaker boss for the past seven games following the departure of Bond.

But Blues remain in deep trouble having lost 10 of their 12 League One outings this term.

Their latest defeat was a 4-1 drubbing by fellow strugglers AFC Wimbledon at Roots Hall on Saturday.

And Dieng remains disappointed by the result.

“We lost the game so we can’t be happy,” said the Frenchman.

“We know it’s not good enough from every player on the pitch and we have to do better.

“We started both halves slowly but it’s not the first time it’s happened to us this season and it happened last season too.

“We can’t start both halves in a good way so we have to improve in that period.”

Blues found themselves 2-0 down after just 11 minutes before Dieng brought the hosts back into the game with a well-taken header.

The goal came in Dieng’s first League start of the season but the final scoreline meant the 27-year-old took little satisfaction from the game.

“I’m happy to be back on the pitch and playing for the team but obviously I can’t be happy with our performance and the result,” said Dieng.

“We have the quality in the squad but we’ve said that for a long time and we have to go and show it now.

“All the staff did their best for us and gave us everything.

“It’s on us as players and we have to do better.”

The Shrimpers remain second from bottom in the standings and will be looking for a much-needed win when they head to Tranmere Rovers on Friday night.