National League slammed for ‘complete farce’ as crisis club Southend only able to name ONE substitute for Bromley clash

FANS have slammed the National League after Southend only named one substitute on their bench to face Bromley.

The Shrimpers team was short of numbers ahead of the match against the Ravens at Roots Hall.

But just how short was revealed as the team sheets were released before kick-off.

Southend manager Kevin Maher named his starting eleven, including former West Ham goalkeeper David Martin and Notts County ace Noor Husin.

However, it was the bench, or lack of it, that caught the eye of fans.

Midfielder Mauro Vilhete was the only player that Maher could turn to, as he was the one and only substitute.

The team's graphic was even edited to read just "Sub" rather than the usual "Subs".

To make matters worse, the team did not include a single striker due to top scorer Harry Cardwell picking up a knee injury.

Fans have vented their frustrations at the National League on social media.

One fan fumed: "It's ridiculous."

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A second commented: "Absolute farce this."

A third wrote: "One sub really?"

A fourth posted: "One sub. Thanks National League."

A fifth said: "Ridiculous we’re not allowed to promote our youth players!"

Another added: "'Sub' cos we only have one."

Southend have been hit by off-the-field problems this season.

The club has been under a transfer embargo since year and the National League limits squad sizes to 16 players.

Thr Shrimpers would have to apply to the league to add a new player to cover for an injury, which is taken on a case-by-case basis.

Before the match, Maher said that the club are trying to fix the issues with squad depth but admitted that it is "difficult" at this time.

He said: “They’re conversations that we’ll have to have.

"We want to sign good players and at this time of year, it’s difficult to get players in.

"We’ll be looking, and if we can do something, then we will."

Southend's bad luck continued as goalkeeper Martin went off injured and defender Gus Scott-Morriss had to replace him.

The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Shrimpers, leaving them in 16th place in the National League.

In November, Southend only had two players on the bench but still managed to win their game against Chesterfield.

The previous month the club released a statement confirming they have reached an agreement for the sale of the club with a consortium led by Australian Justin Rees.