1:44pm Tuesday 9th March 2010
SOUTHEND United have moved swiftly to replace sacked assistant manager Paul Brush with David Webb.
Just over 24 hours after Brush was relieved of his duties at Roots Hall, Webb, 63, returned to the Shrimpers for a fifth stint.
Webb has enjoyed four previous spells in charge of the Blues and will now work alongside manager Steve Tilson.
In a statement released on the club's website, chairman Ron Martin said: "I have long learnt that whatever decision one makes in football, it will never receive universal approval. Equally making no decision gives rise to criticism.
"Releasing Paul of his coaching responsibilities gave me no pleasure whatsoever. However, the decision had to be made and was carried out in the most compassionate way.
"The club is not contractually obliged to maintain Paul's salary for the entire period of his unexpired contract and I doubt there are many employers that would take this view.
"We treat people fairly at Southend United Football Club and that should be recognised.
"For a long period we have had a continuity of management, but I repeat change is/was essential to help us stay in League One.
"For the rest of the season Steve Tilson will be assisted by David Webb."
London-born Webb played for a number of clubs, including Chelsea, as a defender before moving into management.
His first stint at Southend came in June 1986 after he left Torquay to join the Blues.
Webb stayed until Match 1987, leaving before the club won promotion to the old Third Division.
He returned in November 1988 but was unable to prevent the Shrimpers being relegated back to the old Fourth Division the following year.
But Webb helped Southend to promotion into the Third Division in 1990 and into the Second Division the following season.
Despite briefly topping the table in January 1992, the Blues finished the season in mid-table with Webb resigning in March of that year and leaving the club.
Webb resigned as manager of Yeovil Town in September 2000 to return to Southend and stayed in charge until October 2001.
His fourth stint in charge at Roots Hall came in November 2003 when he was caretaker manager between Steve Wignall and current boss Steve Tilson.
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