SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is flattered to have been linked with the vacant managerial position at Crystal Palace, but he insists he has not been contacted by the Eagles.

Brown's odds on taking the job at Selhurst Park have been slashed by bookmakers from 80/1 to 14/1 in the last few hours.

But the Shrimpers boss insists he is only interested in helping his side triumph at Carlisle United this weekend.

“It's nice to be linked with a top job like the Crystal Palace but from my perspective there's been no contact at all,” said Brown.

“All I'm thinking about is the game I have as manager of Southend United at Carlisle United this weekend and making sure we prepare in the right way.

“With that in mind, I travelled up last night to get to Preston North End first in order to get ready for the training session today.

“The team have been delayed by problems on the M25 and it would probably have been quicker to fly to Glasgow then travel down from there the way it's worked out.

“But it's a big game for us and we need to get back on track after being beaten by AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.”

Crystal Palace are currently without a manager after Tony Pulis left the club just two days before the start of the Premier League season.

Former Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay had been expected to take the job but he now seems unlikely to take charge after the emergence of some controversial text messages.

Ex West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke, former Celtic boss Neil Lennon and current caretaker boss Keith Millen are now among the favourites to replace Pulis.