WE HAVE TALENT TO STAY UP, SAYS BROWN
RETURNING Southend United boss Phil Brown has urged his side to “unleash the beast” in a lastditch bid to dodge relegation from the EFL.
Brown, 61, spent five years in charge at Roots Hall and won promotion to League One before being sacked in January 2018.
Since then, the hard-up Shrimpers have suffered a severe dip in fortune and began the weekend 23rd in League Two, five points from safety with just six games to play.
“When you’re in the position we are, you’re inheriting a problem,” said the former Hull and Preston boss, whose predecessor Mark Molesley won eight of his 45 matches at the helm.
“But I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think staying up was achievable. There’s enough talent and quality in this squad to survive, and we will set our target for six wins.
“It’s not about playing wonderful football. It’s about getting points and winning games. We need to unleash a beast that hasn’t been seen for a while.”
After leaving Southend, Brown spent seven months in charge at Swindon and most recently managed Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
“I always wanted to sample life abroad and I’ve done that now,” added Brown, whose contract expires after Southend’s final game. “But I’ve been in the English game for 40 years or so and I’m glad to be back.
“Is this my toughest challenge? I had a really tough situation at Preston. I went in when we were ten points from safety with 19 games to go.
“We went down with one game to go and that’s the only time I’ve sampled relegation. I’d say this is on par with how tough Preston was - and it’s certainly the shortest gig I’ve ever had.”