SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown fully expects to still be in charge of the Shrimpers next season.

Brown has been heavily linked to a return to Championship strugglers Bolton Wanderers.

But the 56-year-old does not believe he will be leaving Blues this summer.

“The speculation about my future doesn’t help the players but I would like to say to them that I’m certainly going to be here until the end of the season,” said Brown.

“I’d also certainly like to say I’m going to be here next season too because I want to get this club back in the Championship and I’ll give everything I can to get us there.

“Speculation is rife with regards to myself but do I expect to still be here next season? Yes.”

Bolton, who have caretaker manager Jimmy Phillips in charge until the end of the season, seem certain to playing in League One next season.

But Brown is only focusing on making sure he gets the best out of Blues during the remainder of the campaign.

“As far as I’m concerned I have to focus my time and energy on the team,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“The players have to see that too.

“We had a good meeting yesterday morning and it’s a six game season for us now, starting with tomorrow.”

Blues host Fleetwood at Roots Hall this weekend sitting 10th in the League One table, eight points below the play-off positions.

And Brown is desperate to close that gap with victory against a Fleetwood side fighting to avoid relegation.

“The season isn’t over but the only way to make sure it goes until the last game is to win the next five and we want to keep the season alive with a win on Saturday,” said Brown.

“I had the sponsors evening on Tuesday so Brian Horton went to the Fleetwood game and he witnessed a great performance in their win against Peterborough.

“I know the manager Steven Pressley well and he wants to play good football but it can be difficult when you’re down there so plaudits must go to him.”

Blues will again be without David Mooney (ankle), Noel Hunt (knee), Anthony Wordsworth (hamstring) and Michael Timlin (knee) this weekend but Brown confirmed Franck Moussa would be in the squad for the first time since returning.

Ryan Leonard is also pushing for a start after playing 90 minutes in an under 21 games against Luton Town on Tuesday.

But Brown has yet to decide if Daniel Bentley or Ted Smith will be playing in goal.

“I’m still thinking about it and it will be like that up until the game,” said the former Hull City manager.

“It’s a big decision and I need to pick a team on merit.”

Southend United (from): Bentley, Worrall, Thompson, Barrett, Coker, McLaughlin, Atkinson, Deegan, Payne, Weston, Barnett, White, T Smith, Hurst, Leonard, McQueen, Loza, O’Neill, Kamara & Malarczyk

>BLUES’ under 18 side travel to Gillingham in Merit League One tomorrow, kick off 11am.