FREDDY Eastwood feels Phil Brown is the man to bring the good times back to Southend United.

Brown, inset, opted not to hand the striker a new deal with the Shrimpers.

But Eastwood remains a big admirer of the former Hull City chief.

“I got on really well with the manager and I think he’s doing an excellent job,” said the 30-year-old.

“He was really good with me and was very understanding about my knee and knew I sometimes had to train differently to stop it flaring up again.

“But he made it very enjoyable, even though I didn’t play as much as I liked and it was good being able to help out the younger players with my experience.

“I’m sure I’ll still be popping down to the training ground to see everyone and I think with the manager and players there they can definitely win promotion next season.”

And Eastwood feels Brown’s presence also enables the club to attract a wider range of players.

“We got some fantastic players in on loan from Premier League clubs last season and I don’t think that would’ve happened if he wasn’t the manager,” added the striker.