SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown failed in a deadline day swoop for Wigan Athletic defender Rob Kiernan.

The classy centre-back excelled while on loan with the Shrimpers earlier on this season.

But Brown has been unable to bring him back to Blues for another temporary stint.

“I had several long conversations with the Wigan manager Uwe Rosler about Rob Kiernan and trying to get him back here but unfortunately it wasn’t able to happen,” said Brown.

“I would like to bring in another defender but Luke Prosser should be back next week and Luke O’Neill could be as well, so that will increase our options.

“We are also still able to bring players in on loan from next week and that’s something we could well look to do.”