SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has expressed his disappointment at Cauley Woodrow being recalled by Fulham.

The 19-year-old striker had been expected to remain at Roots Hall until the end of the season.

But the Cottagers opted to call the youngster back after he failed to nail down a regular slot in the starting line-up.

And that frustrated Shrimpers boss Phil Brown.

“Fulham deciding to call back Cauley is disappointing news from my point of view,” said Brown.

“Fulham said they had done it because he wasn’t starting matches but Cauley was certainly developing as a player with us and sampled an awful lot.

“Apart from when he was suspended he was involved in every game, he made 10 starts, scored winning goals, was sent off and was getting plenty of experience.

“With Barry Corr, Kevan Hurst and Anthony Straker all pulling up trees it was hard for Cauley to get in the side at this stage but he was still very involved so it’s a real shame this has happened.

“There aren’t many players of his age who start in every game but it’s Fulham’s decision at the end of the day.

“We wish Cauley all the very best for the future because he’s a great lad and we will have to carry on with what we’ve got.”

Woodrow joined Blues in early September and scored four goals in 22 appearances.

The youngster also confirmed his departure on Twitter before later deleting his post.