GRAHAM Coughlan cannot wait to make the step up to assistant manager at Southend United.

The 40-year-old will work closely alongside Phil Brown following the departure of last season’s number two Dave Penney.

And Coughlan, who has been at the club since 2010, expects to be more hands on in his new role.

“I was really pleased and chuffed when I was asked to be the new assistant manager,” said the Irishman.

“It’s been a really eventful three or four months on and off the pitch and it’s great to have followed up the promotion we won with a promotion of my own.

“I will probably be a bit more hands on now and have more day-to-day involvement with the manager, but in terms of coaching and the training I can’t see anything changing.”

Coughlan was first team coach with the Shrimpers last season as they won promotion via the League Two play-offs.

And he is now keen to help manager Brown build on that success as Blues bid for more glory.

“I’ve been here for the manager since day one and he’s always known I’m here for anything he’s needed,” said Coughlan.

“We have a strong relationship and we’re both quite fiery people who are not short of an opinion.

“We enjoy many footballing debates with each other, but we must be doing something right because we got promotion last season.

“The players were fantastic in achieving that and they really are a terrific bunch so I’m delighted to still be working with them all.”

Coughlan, who was heavily linked with a managerial role at Plymouth Argyle in the summer, has yet to sign a contract to confirm his new role.

But he insists the deal will soon be sorted.

“Everything has just been so manic it’s been hard to find the time to get it done,” said Coughlan.

“I did sit down to talk to the chairman though and it was a great meeting. He’s ambitious and when we next find five minutes I’m sure we can get the deal signed.

“There’s just far more important things to be dealing with at the moment!”