SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown insisted he did not regret failing to freshen his side up for yesterday’s clash with Millwall – despite the Shrimpers suffering their heaviest home defeat in nine years.

The Lions recorded a comfortable 4-0 win in front of more than 10,000 fans at Roots Hall.

But Brown did not feel sticking with the same starting line for the second time in three days was to blame.

“I don’t regret not making changes at all because the effort and the energy was still there and nobody can question that,” said the Blues boss.

“We just didn’t do enough and we gifted Millwall all three of their goals in the first half.

“You just can’t get away with those kinds of errors and we just made it far too easy for Millwall which really disappoints me.”

Not since losing a Championship clash to Birmingham City back in 2006 have the Shrimpers suffered such a big defeat at Roots Hall.

However, Brown felt the officials also had a part to play in the setback.

“The opening goal was always going to be important and it came after the ball was at least half a yard over the line on this right hand side,” said Brown.

“Somehow the assistant didn’t see it and I thought the referee also played a big part in it.

“Saying that makes it look like I’m crying over spilt milk but this is just a really bad day at the office for us.

“We had two last year against Wycombe and Stevenage and we’ve had another one here which really hurts.

“It’s tough to take but we need to see a reaction in the Doncaster Rovers game this weekend now.”

Despite the defeat, Blues remain seventh in the League One standings and sit outside the play-off positions only on goal difference.

>THE Echo were denied permission to speak to any of Southend’s players at the end of yesterday’s game.