SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is embracing the pressure he is currently under.

The Shrimpers chief - whose side host Bradford City at Roots Hall tomorrow - questioned whether or not he still had the support of his players following last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers.

Brown also admitted he was unsure if he would still be in charge for the January transfer window.

But the Blues boss, who has been backed by chairman Ron Martin, is relishing the chance to bring the best back out of his team.

“In a sick way it’s enjoyable and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Brown.

“It’s a great challenge but the alternative is sitting at home on my backside twiddling my thumbs.

"I would much rather be sitting here under pressure but we have to get back to what we’re good at and one of the main things is hard work.”

Blues head into the game sitting 12th in the League One standings, seven points below the play-off places.

But Brown will also be facing the Bantams having been buoyed by a midweek trip to the Children’s Ward at Southend Hospital, where the Shrimpers squad handed out Christmas presents to the young patients.

“We went to the hospital on Tuesday and it filled me with joy,” said Brown.

“You see kids who might not be with their families on Christmas Day and it reminds you that this isn’t really pressure or hardship.

"I also had an LMA meeting with other managers this week and that helped too.

“All managers are under pressure, not just me, and it’s something we accept is part and parcel of what we do.”

However, Brown hopes that pressure will ease with a win against fourth placed Bradford.

“We haven’t lost at home but Bradford have one of the best away records so something has to give, but we need the three points,” he added.