Ebbsfleet United manager Josh Wright reacts to 4-0 Boxing Day defeat at Southend United in the National League

Ebbsfleet boss Josh Wright warned his players they’re playing for their futures after a Boxing Day defeat at Southend.

Low on confidence and with just one win to their name this season, there was a sense of inevitability after the Fleet conceded a second goal on the stroke of half-time on their way to a 4-0 National League loss at Roots Hall.

“The bottom line is it’s not good enough,” stated Wright. “We were second-best all over the park, all the basics in what you need in a side. It’s difficult to put into words. It shows you what we are and where we’re at, at the moment.

“We’re 1-0 (down) just before half-time with 30 seconds to go, you get in 1-0 compared to 2-0 and it’s a completely different ball game. That’s the sucker punch but that’s what I’ve got at the moment.

“I’ve got so much time for the boys and I know their ability. I’m lacking characters, I’m lacking men. I’m trying to pick teams that will win football games and the manner of the goals we’re conceding are far from good enough.

“People need to look at themselves. It’s very frustrating as I’m trying to tell them in football it can be very damaging in terms of the inevitable outcomes and where it leaves you as a player, next contract, your family and protection in life. You’re always playing for your next contract, especially at this level.

“The route we’re going down is far from good enough. I understand momentum and I talk about it all the time, and belief and confidence. We’re coming up against teams with a lot more of that in most weeks.

“We played against a Southend club who weren’t flying with momentum and we made it too easy for them.

“I inherited this group, they were my team-mates and now they’re my players. I know what they’re about and I know