SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown remains confident of his side being able to compete in League One this season.

Blues have endured their worst start to a campaign in 11 years after failing to win any of their opening five matches.

But Brown is convinced the Shrimpers will soon start to pick up points and move up the table.

“I’m sure things will come good for us and that we will be able to compete at this level this season,” said Brown.

“Of course we all look at league tables, there’s no point lying about that but I think it’s a little bit unjust for us to be 21st at the moment.

“Apart from the Walsall game the performances have been good and if that continues then the first win will be just around the corner.

“That would then give us the foothold in the competition to be able to push on.”

Scoring goals has so far proved problematic for Blues who have not netted since David Worrall’s effort at Fleetwood Town on the opening day of the season.

But Brown believes the strikers already in his squad will soon start to get onto the score-sheet.

“I’m looking to bring in a clinical striker but the ones we already have will get goals, I have no doubt about that,” said the Blues boss.

“I felt Noel Hunt was a threat at the weekend and we just need to get him fitter now.

“David Mooney will get goals and so will Joe Pigott but every single member of our coaching staff is out at different games this week looking at players.”

But, as well as a signing a striker, Brown remains keen on bringing in another centre-back.

“We’ve brought in Luke O’Neill to add more pressure on the full-back positions but I’m still looking at another centre-back as well,” said Brown.

“That’s what I’m focusing on at the moment and we’re still in talks with a couple of the targets.”

Echosport understands one of the defenders is currently on the books of a Premier League club while the other is with a Championship outfit.