SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has dismissed speculation linking him with a switch to Championship club Bolton Wanderers.

Brown, who saw his Shrimpers side lose 1-0 to Morecambe at Roots Hall on Saturday, has been mentioned as a possible replacement for ex Blues striker Dougie Freedman in charge of the Trotters.

But Brown insists he is happy to remain with Southend.

And the 55-year-old wants to commit his long term future to the club.

“There is no truth in any Bolton rumours and I think they’ve just started because I was there for 15 years as a player, coach and manager,” said Brown.

“People keep asking me the question about whether or not I’m going there but it’s just speculation as far as I’m concerned.

“I’ve heard nothing at all and I’ve got a job to do at Southend United which I still very much want to finish.”

Former Bolton defender Jimmy Phillips, previous boss Owen Coyle and ex West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbrary are also among the front-runners to replace Freedman who was sacked last week after a disappointing run of results.

However, Brown has also been tipped for the job by several bookmakers.

The 55-year-old guided Blues in to the League Two play-offs last season but was unable to see off Burton Albion in the semi-finals.

After that disappointment, the club announced contract talks had started with the Shrimpers chief to extend his spell in charge.

But the situation has yet to be resolved and Brown is keen to get it sorted.

“It was verbally put to me about a new contract and we spoke about a long term plan I would be happy to be a part of and that’s still very much the case,” said Brown.

“I haven’t had an actual contract offer put in front of me though and I now only have seven or eight months left on my current deal.

“There have been rumours about other clubs being interested but I’m just focusing on Southend United and would definitely like to be here longer.”

Brown has been in charge of Blues since March 2013 and his team currently fourth in the table.