SOUTHEND United legend Freddy Eastwood feels it is a ‘no brainer’ for Adam Barrett and Steve Tilson to be brought back to Roots Hall.

Blues are currently without a manager following Kevin Bond’s resignation last week.

And Eastwood is adamant Barrett should replace him in the Roots Hall hotseat.

“For me it’s an absolute no brainer that Adam should be the next manager with Tilly alongside him,” said the former Blues striker.

“No-one has done as well since Tilly and Adam has always been a leader who everyone knew would be a manager one day.

“Between them I think they can lift the team’s confidence and get them into the top half of the table this season before putting their own team together the season after.

“They also know the club inside out so there would be no settling in period which I think is key because there can be no time for that.

“The team is already too far behind those above them so I really think the club should go for Adam and Tilly.”

Eastwood was a key part of Tilson’s team which won back-to-back promotions.

And the striker is certain that Barrett can now bring the good times back to Blues despite his lack of experience.

“I don’t really understand it when people talk about a lack of experience because if everyone thought that way no-one new would ever get a job,” said Eastwood, 35.

“Adam has played in the Championship and he’s worked with some top managers at the clubs he’s been at, including Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, as well as obviously Tilly as well.

“He was a great pro everyone had real respect for and he’s been learning as a coach for a couple of years now at Millwall so he deserves to be given an opportunity.

“The club has tried experienced managers and that hasn’t worked plus Tilly has experience anyway so it’s not a problem as far as I’m concerned.

“It’s sad to see the team struggling but I really do think bringing in Adam and Tilly would give the club a real lift and that’s definitely what’s needed right now.”

Blues have yet to pick up a point in League One this season after suffering six successive defeats.

And Eastwood - who scored 49 goals in Blues’ successive promotion terms - also feels nobody else would be as determined to succeed.

“I’ve seen the names being mentioned but nobody would care more about the club than Adam and Tilly,” said Eastwood.

“They’re both local, they both love the club and nobody would be more determined or work harder to put things right.

“But that’s an added bonus because I’m sure they would also have a clear philosophy of how they want to play and that’s important too. Tilly has also come to the club before when it was struggling and worked wonders so he knows what needs to be done and Adam has the characteristics you need to be a good manager.

“In my opinion it just wouldn’t make any sense if anyone else got it and Southend will always be my club so I want to see them back there because I know they would do well.”