FORMER Southend United defender Spencer Prior insists he would look to change everything but academy manager Ricky Duncan at the Shrimpers.

Duncan has worked wonders since returning to Roots Hall in 2005.

And Prior would actually like to see Duncan given a go with the first team.

“The only thing I wouldn’t change is Ricky because he has a great record of bringing the kids through,” said Prior, who started and finished his career with Blues.

“I would actually love to see Ricky have a go as manager if I’m honest.

“I had him as a mentor really and I think he would shine if he got the chance.

“But the reality is if he wasn’t successful he would be in the wilderness.

“As it is he’s doing a job he loves with far less pressure so why would he put his neck above the parapet.”

Prior has called for a proper structure to be implemented by the Shrimpers.

And he is keen to see someone take over the day to day running of the club to free chairman Ron Martin up to focus on other projects.

“Someone has to be running it on a day to day basis and allowing Ron to go out and get the ground sorted and some major sponsors,” said Prior, 45.

“It’s about building from scratch again really because the foundations are all gone pretty much.

“All that’s left are the die-hard fans who really do follow the club through thick and thin.

“They’re the most important people who everyone needs to be thinking about.

“They don’t want Southend to be the next Bury and they want to have their club.”

And Prior is therefore keen to see the Shrimpers on a firmer financial footing.

“You have to be financially viable and need enough money to pay your players and build the academy,” said Prior.

“The last time I was down there the dome was there waiting to be built and I think it still is.

“Everything just seems to be being done on the fly and I don’t know if there’s a strategic plan.”

And Prior, who won four promotions with Blues, would also love to play a part in the club being rebuilt.

“I would love to be part of what is going on there and the future but it’s a holistic approach that’s needed rather than short term first team success,” said Prior.

“It’s been awful watching it as they’re my home-town club and it’s been frustrating for everyone.”

But Prior feels the Shrimpers must carefully consider who will be their next manager.

A kick up the backside isn’t enough for the modern day players anymore,” said Prior, who is now based in Australia.

“You have to have more than that because the game’s evolved.

“But I won’t even speculate on who I think should be next because so much needs to be done before that should even be sorted.”