Paul Sturrock divided on Simon Francis' Southend exit

Sturrock has taken over from the sacked Steve Tilson

Southend United boss Paul Sturrock says he has lost a good player in Simon Francis, but the financially-stricken club will benefit in the long run.

The right-back, 25, was released by mutual consent this week after months of speculation regarding his future.

Sturrock told BBC Essex: "Financially he's one of our highest-paid players and it frees up money for me to benefit the depth of the squad.

"But it's a disappointment because I would have liked Simon to play for us."

Sturrock revealed the former Bradford player will continue to train with the rest of the Shrimpers squad until he finds a new club.

"Simon's obviously come to me and made it plain that he wants to play at a higher standard," Sturrock added.

"He'll be missed, but football doesn't stand still and the budget is the budget and it's important I bring the amount of players needed to this football club."

Exactly how many players and when the Blues boss will be able to bring them in is impossible to predict at the moment.

Francis' departure takes the amount of professionals at Roots Hall down to 10, while the club is still under a transfer embargo pending a hearing at the High Court on 2 August.

The situation has stemmed the Southend manager's attempts to rebuild the squad left to him by previous boss Steve Tilson.

But it has not stopped him agreeing pre-contract terms with Northampton left-back Peter Gilbert and Exeter striker Barry Corr.

"I'm very pleased that we've been able to get their services," he said.

606: DEBATE

Sturrock does not suffer fools gladly and if the embargo isn't lifted by the start of next month I'm afraid to say he could well decide to walk out. He won't tolerate nonsense in the way Tillson did that's for sure.

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"I'm getting people in who know how I'm looking to play.

"I don't have as much time to shape a team so I'm going to have three or four teams who know what I'm looking for."

Southend were scheduled to play a friendly with Ipswich on Friday evening, but Sturrock chose to postpone the match in order to get to grips with his new job.

Instead they will start their pre-season fixtures with a friendly against Dartford on 16 July and in the meantime will pit trialists against club youngsters in a behind-closed-doors game.