Ex-Blues star Goater on why Brown could quit, why Freddy never made it, why Gower did and Tilly's exit

Brown’s Blues side are currently seventh in the League One standings, just a point outside the play-offs.

But Goater, who helped Southend win the title at this level back in 2006, believes Brown may leave if his team do not work their way up into the Championship.

“I’d expect Southend to be up there around the top when the season finishes but if Phil Brown fails to get promotion then he may look for a different challenge,” said Goater.

“It may be the case that he’ll feel a bit stale at Southend if they don’t go up too.

“It’s been three years with him at the helm and if he doesn’t go up he’ll think he can’t take the team any further.

“The relationship between Phil Brown and the chairman Ron Martin is a very good one built on trust so I know they’ll both be discussing the situation.

“There’s no doubt Phil has the ability to get the team promoted and I believe they will get promoted this season as there’s a need to get across the line.

“But it’s Phil Brown’s team, he’s got no excuses to fall short again and as I mentioned, if he does, he will feel that he can’t take the club any higher.”

Blues host play-off rivals Rochdale at Roots Hall this weekend.

And Goater has been impressed by the Shrimpers’ recent run of good results which has seen them lose just once in 14 outings.

“One of Southend’s strengths is they don’t lose that often and just went on a 13-game unbeaten run before the Sheffield United result at the weekend,” said Goater.

“It’s interesting because managers normally adopt a philosophy based on how they played as a player and you can see that Southend’s very rigid and defensively solid base mimics Brown’s playing career.”

However, Goater does feel the Shrimpers could eventually be found wanting at the other end of the pitch.

“If I’m looking for one thing that they’re lacking, it might be that bit of creativity and attacking flair that’s needed,” he added.

FREDDY LACKED THE RIGHT MENTAL ATTRIBUTES

SHAUN Goater feels his former Southend United strike-partner Freddy Eastwood lacked the right mental attributes to fully fulfil his potential.

Eastwood bagged 65 goals in 134 games during an incredibly successful first spell with the Shrimpers which saw Steve Tilson’s side secure back to back promotions into the Championship.

However, Eastwood was never able to repeat that form following big money moves to both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City.

Shrimpers star - Freddy Eastwood

And Goater feels that was down to Eastwood’s approach to the game.

“Freddy never really performed after Southend despite everyone believing in him, which was a shame,” said Goater.

“For whatever reason, he didn’t seem to have the right mental attributes to make it at a higher level.

“But he had great ability and what gravitated me to him was that he was a traveller.

“I was learning about his culture and we gained a friendship through me trying to understand him as a person.

“At the same time, I shared my knowledge and advice with him and he took it all on board.

“Freddy was certainly an exciting player that season.

“But it was the experience and spirit at the club that helped us through, it really felt like a 12th man. Steve Tilson’s philosophy throughout that season was simple and he really galvanised the team spirit.”

GOWER WAS BEST PLAYER AT BLUES

SHAUN Goater still feels Mark Gower was the most talented of his team-mates at Southend United.

The goalscoring talents of Freddy Eastwood regularly hit the headlines during a successful spell for the Shrimpers along with the defensive prowess of Adam Barrett and the fine form of goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan.

But Goater was most impressed by Gower, who went on to play in the Premier League with Swansea City after leaving Roots Hall at the end of the 2007/08 season.

Mark Gower - lined up in the Premier League for Swansea City

“Mark was probably Southend’s best player at the time,” said Goater, 46.

“His technique was of a much higher level and he was an intelligent player so it was no surprise to me that he went on to play higher.

“It was at the transitional period of looking for players with a bit of guile, finesse and technique.

“That’s one reason he was able to make the jump.

“I think Mark always had the ability.

“But he was also the joker and had the camaraderie which was appreciated around the dressing room.”

Gower, who played mainly on the left wing for Blues, scored six goals in 36 starts to help Steve Tilson’s side win the League One title during the 2005/06 season.

And he also started the final game of Goater’s career as the Shrimpers saw off Bristol City 1-0 at a packed Roots Hall to ensure top spot on the last day of the season.

“It was a special occasion, playing Bristol City – another club I used played for,” recalled Goater, who scored 11 goals in 37 appearances for Southend.

“I was also very appreciative of the Manchester City fans who turned up to see me as well.

“It was weird to see three sets of supporters cheer me on.

“It was emotional and unique and I will never forget it.”

WHY TILLY ISN'T IN FOOTBALL ANYMORE

SHAUN Goater was impressed by how Steve Tilson guided Southend United to incredible success - but believes his former manager will need to evolve to get back into the game.

Tilson, pictured above, led Blues to successive promotions and victory over Manchester United in the League Cup to become one of the most highly-rated managers in the game during his seven year stint in charge of the Shrimpers.

His success attracted attention from Championship club Norwich City who were keen to secure his services while Tilson was also linked with the England under 21 job following Peter Taylor’s decision to step down in 2007.

Steve Tilson - had a successful spell in charge of the Shrimpers

However, Tilson lost his job at Roots Hall in 2010 following relegation back to League Two amid financial problems.

And, after spells in charge of Lincoln City and Canvey Island, he now finds himself out of the professional game.

But Goater - who came to close to retiring before teaming up with the Shrimpers in 2005 - is unsure whether or not that was to be expected.

“I’m surprised and I’m not,” said the 46-year-old.

“He understood how to manage players differently.

“I wasn’t a problem, I just got on with training and loved working with him during my time with Southend.

“But with younger players, Steve laid laws down.

“He managed the team quite well and was able to get a really good team spirit going.

“Unfortunately the reason he’s not with a club now is because, in my opinion, he’s become dated in his managing.

“The game has changed and managing has evolved.

“Some managers adapt and some don’t.

“I think Steve is in the latter group.”

Tilson, who is still regarded by many supporters as the Shrimpers’ most successful ever manager, now coaches at Seevic College in Thundersley.

The 50-year-old is also in charge of FA Women’s Premier Southern Division side C&K Basildon.

>Goater, who scored 260 goals during a prolific career which also included memorable spells at both Rotherham United and Manchester City, was speaking to bwin.

For the full interview head to: https://sports.bwin.com/en/news/football-betting/premier-league/shaun-goater,120603.html