PHIL Brown knows exactly what to expect from Bradford City when he takes charge of Southend United for the first time against them at Valley Parade this afternoon.

Brown, who replaced Paul Sturrock in the Roots Hall hot-seat earlier this week, has seen the Bantams in action several times already this season.

And, having previously worked with their manager Phil Parkinson and his assistant Steve Parkin at Hull City, Brown is fully aware of what Blues will be facing.

“Other than Bolton I've probably seen Bradford more than any other side this season, due to them reaching the League Cup final, so I know what to expect from them,” said Brown, 53.

“I've also worked with their manager as his assistant and I know they like to play in a 4-4-2 formation with a bit of flair thrown in there too.

“We won't be surprised with what they come at us with but they might be surprised by us because a new manager brings new ideas and can often lift the players a little bit more.”

Blues have on loan midfielder Matthew Lund back in the squad after he recovered from a hip problem but centre-back Mark Phillips was not fit enough to travel, despite return to training this week.

Luke Prosser is therefore expected to start after completing a two match suspension and Brown will be naming his starting line-up after studying the squad hard in training.

“I've been impressed by the players and I've been looking at one or two things to help me make up my mind with regards to team selection,” said Brown.

“I've also had a lot of talks with Graham Coughlan, who has been priceless for me this week, and I've had a look at the DVDs of the the last three or four games.

“That's helped me decide with what team to go with but I'm certainly a lucky boy to be coming in to a club with such a good squad.

“They've been kicking lumps out of each other in training all week but I've been delighted to see that.

“My sides have always had a physicality about them and we will need that here if we're going to do well.

“But I certainly believe this squad of players should be playing at a higher level and hopefully I can help make that happen.