Added to the fact that as per usual little or no money was spent in the January transfer window Preston now find themselves in the perilous position of missing out on the play offs altogether.
It is easy to be critical and in fairness Southend banged in three marvellous goals which each individually would have been worthy of winning a game of football. The question over yesterday's defeat that remains is why were thos shots - all from range allowed to be taken.
Team selection has become a lottery in recent weeks. We have enough forwards to pick from yet none of them seem able to hit the target at the moment. We persist with a midfield that seems none existent although Soley did a credible job on Easter Monday.
The players defy to answer questions over how they can lose to teams such as Luton, Southend, Hull, Leeds and QPR who are all at the bottom of the table.
Simpson now has a big problem on his hands - no disrespect to the other sides but this Saturday we are actually facing a decent side with form away in the shape of Coventry. The club has reduced travel to £5 for all coaches but with no away win since Hillsborough fans may just turn their backs at this crucial time of the season.
We can all point to injuries but every club has them and now Preston's prized home form looks to be on the slide matches against Coventry, Leicester, Plymouth and Birmingham on current form will see the Whites slide out of the top six without even a whimper.