Home
Phil Brown believes links between him and the vacant job at Wanderers have affected Southend United’s play-off chances.
Since being installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Neil Lennon, Southend have taken just four points from a possible 24.
Speculation intensified on Friday night after Brown and his team stayed at the Bolton Whites Hotel – although the Essex club have used Wanderers’ facilities before when they play in the North West.
Southend were chasing a play-off place before Brown’s name became associated with a return at Bolton but have now slipped into mid-table and the 56-year-old is now planning talks with his chairman Ron Martin to resolve the issue.
“The players have looked uncertain and unsure since the Bolton speculation and it’s up to me to resolve that with the chairman,” he told Southend’s local press. “I’m not being big headed but it’s the same as what’s happened with Pellegrini.”
Without the significant compensation package on his head, Brown would be the number-one choice for the job, a fact agreed by both co-owners Ken Anderson and Dean Holdsworth.
Martin had previously said he would be unwilling to let Brown speak to Bolton but confirmed again there had been no approach.
"It would surprise and disappoint me if Phil wished to leave in light of the conversations he and I have had about the future,” he said.
Wanderers continue to investigate other options with Peter Reid remaining a strong contender.
Out-of-work candidates like John Carver have also been investigated but Brown remains the only man to tick boxes for both Holdsworth and Anderson at present.
Source
Since being installed as the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Neil Lennon, Southend have taken just four points from a possible 24.
Speculation intensified on Friday night after Brown and his team stayed at the Bolton Whites Hotel – although the Essex club have used Wanderers’ facilities before when they play in the North West.
Southend were chasing a play-off place before Brown’s name became associated with a return at Bolton but have now slipped into mid-table and the 56-year-old is now planning talks with his chairman Ron Martin to resolve the issue.
“The players have looked uncertain and unsure since the Bolton speculation and it’s up to me to resolve that with the chairman,” he told Southend’s local press. “I’m not being big headed but it’s the same as what’s happened with Pellegrini.”
Without the significant compensation package on his head, Brown would be the number-one choice for the job, a fact agreed by both co-owners Ken Anderson and Dean Holdsworth.
Martin had previously said he would be unwilling to let Brown speak to Bolton but confirmed again there had been no approach.
"It would surprise and disappoint me if Phil wished to leave in light of the conversations he and I have had about the future,” he said.
Wanderers continue to investigate other options with Peter Reid remaining a strong contender.
Out-of-work candidates like John Carver have also been investigated but Brown remains the only man to tick boxes for both Holdsworth and Anderson at present.
Source
