DAVE Penney has revealed he is happy to remain at Southend United and is not looking to get back in to management.

Penney, who is assistant to manager Phil Brown at Roots Hall, was linked with the Mansfield Town job until Adam Murray was named as the new Stags chief.

But Penny insisted he was never in the run in for the Field Mill job.

And he is happy to stay with the Shrimpers.

“There was never any truth linking me to Mansfield and I’m really enjoying what I doing with Southend so I certainly wouldn’t be looking to leave,” said Penney.

“I think the rumours just sprung up because I know the Mansfield owner (John Radford) very well indeed because he was a director at Doncaster when I was a manager there.

“He’s someone I’ve stayed in touch with, would meet for coffee and go to games with while I was out of work.

“But I certainly never spoke to him about the Mansfield job because I want to stay here and help us enjoy a successful end to the season with promotion.”

Prior to joining Southend at the start of last season, Penney had managed Doncaster Rovers, Darlington, Oldham Athletic and Bristol Rovers.

However, he is not actively seeking a return to management.

“I think I realise now that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” said Penney.

“Sure there’s the odd day when I miss being a manager but not when you see someone like Paul Murray losing his job at Hartlepool after only six weeks of being in charge.

“We have a good group of players who I enjoy working with and I get on well with the staff so I’m very happy at Southend, especially as we’ve been quite successful in the 18 months I’ve been here.”

The Shrimpers reached the League Two play-offs last season and are currently fifth in this year’s standings.

And, as they bid to secure a return to League One, Blues boss Brown is delighted Penney is staying with the League Two side.

“Dave’s experience is priceless for me,” said Brown.

“He knows what to say and when and he also knows when not to say anything.

“He plays a big part in what we do here, along with the rest of the excellent back-room team.”