Phil Brown expects more to leave Southend

Southend manager Phil Brown has admitted that more players could follow Dan Bentley and Jack Payne out of the club in the summer.

After last week’s defeat to Bradford Brown told local media, ““I am now resigned to losing both Jack Payne and Daniel Bentley and think they will leave.

“It’s disappointing as the manager of Southend that I haven’t been able to secure Dan Bentley’s signature.

“And we’ve also had an email from Jack Payne and his representatives that saddens me really.“These two lads came through the youth system here and I’m really disappointed for Ricky Duncan, the academy and the likes of Graham Coughlan who have put so much time and effort into developing them.”

The Shrimpers made a few more comments concerning departures to BBC Essex today.

He said “Certain players are going to be turning away from the football club having had offers on the table. That’s life.”

Brown continued “The influence agents have on players these days is really detrimental towards clubs who have invested time, effort, energy, money and expertise.

“I sympathise with a lot of clubs at this level, you’re cannon fodder for the bigger boys. All we can do is do our best for the players and I think we have done.

“I think we’ve educated the players to be able to play at a higher level and consequently we’re getting that used as a stick against us.”

Southend have adapted well to life in League One after winning promotion via the play offs last season. The Shrimpers are currently sitting in 14th place and will be looking to end the season on a high when they travel to Bury on Sunday.