SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has defended his decision to miss the Shrimpers’ Essex Senior Cup clash against Harlow Town to help cover a game for Radio Five Live.

Brown was not present for Blues’ disappointing 4-2 defeat at Roots Hall on Tuesday night as he was co-commentating on Shrewsbury Town’s Capital One Cup encounter with Chelsea.

But, despite criticism from supporters on social media, Brown insisted his work rate should not be called in to question.

“I trust and fully respect my staff who are very experienced in their own right and took the team for the game with Harlow,” stressed Brown.

“I fully understand what supporters are saying but I went to watch Queens Park Rangers’ under 21 team against Swansea in the afternoon to look at a few players I had been alerted to.

“On Sunday I was also at Fulham’s training ground to see their under 21 team playing against Liverpool.

“I certainly don’t think my work rate as manager of this football club can be called into question because we’re going to games all the times.

“I’ve also held lengthy talks with Graham Coughlan and Dave Penney about the game so I’m fully aware of everything that happened.”

A strong Blues side containing Cian Bolger, Conor Clifford, Jack Payne and Shaq Coulthirst were brushed aside by the Ryman Division One North leaders.

And Brown revealed the coaches at the game had been bitterly disappointed by Southend’s below par display.

“From speaking to Cocko and Dave I understand Harlow were the better side and deserved the win,” said Brown.

“We had players out there who want to try and get in the first team but they haven’t taken this opportunity because without being at all disrespectful to Harlow, the 11 we put out should be winning games like that.”