Former Premier League boss Phil Brown sacked by League One Southend with bad boy Nile Ranger’s ill-discipline blamed
Ex-Charlton and Huddersfield manager Chris Powell is set to take over at Roots Hall
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SOUTHEND have axed former Premier League boss Phil Brown, with Nile Ranger blamed as part of the decision, with Chris Powell set to replace him at Roots Hall.
The Shrimpers have lost ten of their 14 matches on the road this season.
And after a miserable run of seven defeats in their last eight games the League One strugglers have wielded the axe.
A statement confirmed today: "The club has today placed its manager, Phil Brown, on gardening leave whilst a settlement agreement is completed.
"Additionally the club has today terminated the employment agreements of Graham Coughlan (Assistant Manager), Brian Horton (Football Coordinator) and Bob Shaw (Head of Recruitment).
"We wish to thank Phil Brown’s back room staff and especially Graham Coughlan who has been a loyal employee of the club, contributed continuously and without reservation, for some eight years.
"Phil Brown has been manager of the club for approaching five years during which time Southend United has enjoyed success including promotion in 2015 to League One.
"During this period Phil Brown has been instrumental in improving many aspects of the club, including embracing the academy above all other managers, for which we sincerely thank him.
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"However this season, to date, has been a disappointment and has not reflected, in the board’s opinion, the capability of the assembled squad or the investment."
And it is not only recent performances that have cost Brown his job.
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He made a move to sign controversial ex-Newcastle striker Nile Ranger 18 months ago.
But the 26-year-old served 10 weeks in jail over the summer for online banking fraud before he was offered another opportunity by Brown at Roots Hall.
But after he was dropped for a game in November due to poor timekeeping, Southend terminated his contract two weeks ago.
And the troublesome forward's time and behaviour at the club also went against Brown.
The statement continued: "Recent performances have been unacceptable and in the board's view the lack of discipline, Nile Ranger a case in point, has only served to compound the position.
"The club's success as we enter a new era is paramount and we shall adopt a zero tolerance in our efforts to achieve this objective.
"These are exciting times with everyone at the club working earnestly, with the help of the council, to deliver ‘The Future’ for the benefit of the town and its football club.
"Moving forward the club has identified a principal target and subject to securing his services will be tasked with replacing the management team without delay.
"Pending the club's new appointment(s) team affairs will be conducted by the club's academy manager and head of Under 23 team, Ricky Duncan and Kevin Maher
"The club will of course keep supporters fully informed at all times and more particularly as matters are progressed regarding the identity and timing of a replacement manager together with new signings."
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Brown, 58, guided Hull to the Prem during his earlier days as a coach and has also had spells in charge of Derby and Preston.
Powell last worked for Derby as assistant to Nigel Pearson before performing the same role under Steve McClaren.
Following the ex-England manager's dismissal, he was briefly named as caretaker before leaving the club upon Gary Rowett's arrival.