Steve Davis has nothing for praise for Southend's experienced gaffer Phil Brown.

Phil Brown brings his in-form Southend United side to the Alexandra Stadium this evening aiming to continue on their mini-run that has seen them collect nine points from their last 12 on offer. The Shrimpers won a dramatic play-off final against Wycombe Wanderers last season to return to the League One stage and the vastly experienced Brown has kept faith with the majority of his squad, but has also added the likes of Noel Hunt and David Mooney to supplement his options. 

Steve Davis is looking forward to seeing Brown again after the two managers were last in opposition dugouts at Wembley for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final of 2013.

Ahead of this evening’s game, Steve said: “Southend have adjusted well to the league and that is not easy because it is a tough division.

“Phil has stuck with the majority of his players and added some more experience, players who know this league and the one above. He has entrusted his faith in the majority of the players who got them up and they will have restored confidence after winning three of their last four games.

“Phil sticks to his principles and has vast experience after managing in the Premier League. He has also managed Preston at this level and he knows the lower leagues. He has bought in the likes of Hunt and Mooney over the summer and they are players who bring that added bit of experience and quality.

 He added: “We are at home and we need to be more ruthless and clinical. We need to be better in possession than we have been in the last two games but also be as dogged as we have been in our defending as we have been.”