SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has revealed the secret behind his side’s fantastic form which he hopes will see him crowned League Two manager of the month tomorrow.

Blues have stormed up into the automatic promotion places after winning eight of their last 12 games.

And Brown is adamant the upturn in fortune has all been down to a behind-closed-doors friendly his team played against Colchester United at the start of October.

“We took the first team to play in that game and it served its purpose because we’ve taken 22 points from a possible 28 since then,” said Brown.

“We had been struggling a little bit up until that point so we took a strong side there, won 5-1 and were able to get messages across during it about the new formation we were introducing.

“It made sure all of the players knew what their jobs were and it made us far more organised and harder to break down.

“It’s taken us up the table and if we can get 22 points from the next 28 on offer again then we would be in a great position and I’d be delighted.”

Blues have won seven of their last 10 league games and have not been beaten in their last six outings.

That run of fine results will be threatened on Saturday though as Brown takes his team to promotion rivals Chesterfield in the second round of the FA Cup.

But the Shrimpers have been boosted ahead of the tie by striking duo Barry Corr and Freddy Eastwood both resuming training.

“Barry was the player of the morning in training yesterday while Freddy scored the goal of the morning which was great to see,” said Brown.

“Barry’s ankle he injured against Cheltenham had been feeling quite tender but he’s feeling fine again now and hopefully Freddy will be back in the squad too.”