Tommy Widdrington leaves as Southend United assistant

Widdrington joined the Southend staff with Paul Sturrock in July

Southend United have confirmed assistant manager Tommy Widdrington has left the club with immediate effect.

The 39-year-old former Salisbury boss was not in the dugout for Tuesday's 2-0 League Two win over Cheltenham Town, their first victory in eight games.

A club statement read: "Going forwards manager Paul Sturrock feels a fresh impetus is needed.

"Paul will be making new appointments to his support staff in the near future once he has evaluated candidates."

It added: "The board and management wishes Tommy all the best for the future."

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Sturrock brought Widdrington to Roots Hall from Salisbury as his number two when he was appointed in July.

Meanwhile Sturrock will wait for scans on injuries to midfielder Josh Simpson and defender Bilel Mohsni, who both left Whaddon Road carrying knocks.

And Anthony Grant will have a back problem he picked up in the game assessed before Saturday's visit of Wycombe.

"Josh has got a bad one. Bilel will have to get a scan on his as well, he's got a bad one as well," the Southend boss told BBC Essex.

"Plus there's Granty who had a back injury from earlier on in the game."