ANDY Welsh insists that spirits are still high in the Yeovil Town camp even though the Glovers slipped into the relegation zone following last week's 2-0 defeat at Scunthorpe United.

Russell Slade's side are third from bottom of the League One table and will look to get their first win in nine matches when Southend United arrive in Somerset today.

Despite that dismal run though, Welsh, who signed permanently for the Glovers at the beginning of September after a successful trial, insists that the mood in the camp is positive and that Yeovil are more than capable of hauling themselves away from danger.

"No, we aren't panicking," said a defiant Welsh. "The banter is flying around as usual, some are getting it and some aren't, but in terms of us slipping into the relegation zone, it is still very early.

"We are still unbeaten at home and we want to try and kick on and get wins at home. If we had won the last two at home (Yeovil drew their last two home games with Bristol Rovers and Brighton & Hove Albion) then we would be talking about a different end of the table. It is just unfortunate we picked up two draws, but if we can start picking up wins at home, we will start climbing the table."

Yeovil's problem has been their inability to score goals. It is hardly surprising given that the only recognised out and out centre forward is Andre McCollin, himself untried and untested at this level following his summer move from Fisher Athletic.

Paul Warne has been used as a lone striker for much of the campaign, but with the Glovers so desperate for extra firepower, it appears the club board are loosening the purse strings to allow Slade to bring one in on loan for the next month.

"The board has discussed the situation of players with Russell and you have to bear in mind that we have financial commitments and budgets. But at this stage of the season the board have pledged their support to assist Russell wherever we can," said chairman John Fry.

"The problem is that because of the transfer window, you have not got many options or choices of who is available. Like other clubs we have very few options in front of us and have to get players out before we can get players in. If we do not do that, then we will be stuck with more and more costs. We are aware that Russell needs certain players and that is a fact."

Welsh refused to be drawn on the matter adding: "I'm not the manager. People may say that in some areas we need this or we need that, but it is a small squad. One good thing about that small squad and the players in that squad is that if someone gets injured, then you could find yourself straight in the team come Saturday and that could be the run of ten starts for yourself, its up to you.

"I also think we are very strong in that we really get behind each other and I think it will only hold us in good stead for the rest of the season. The team spirit is great here.

"I know from my point of view it was very easy to settle here because it is such a small squad and the lads do make you feel welcome, so if someone was to come in, I don't think it would upset the squad. But if it didn't happen, I don't think it would upset the squad either."

One man desperate to add a frontman is Slade though, and he used today's opponents as a prime example of what can happen by adding someone with that Midas touch.

"They were struggling to find the form of last season and they found it through the loan signing of a very, very experienced player," Slade said of Southend's capture of Dougie Freedman. "It shows how one player can make a difference. It is a bit like when we took Leon Best and it just turned us from an average team into a good side with the goals he scored and the presence he had. Dougie seems to be doing the same there. He is a wily old fox and he has had a good career."

The news of an imminent striker signing will certainly be welcomed by Yeovil fans ahead of today's clash against a Southend side that boasts a number of players that have donned the green and white of Yeovil in the recent past. Goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall enjoyed two great years in Somerset before leaving in the summer for Roots Hall, but he won't play on his return to the Westcountry as he is injured. James Walker, Jean-Francois Christophe and Kevin Betsy have also represented the Glovers, although all three players were at Huish Park on loan.