SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown believes speculation linking him with a return to Bolton Wanderers has contributed to the Shrimpers’ loss of form.

Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Wigan Athletic made it just one win in eight games since Brown was linked with a return to the Trotters.

And Brown feels the situation is similar to the one Manuel Pellegrini has experienced in charge of Manchester City.

“Since speculation with myself and Bolton, Sunderland and whoever else it looks like the players are uncertain and unsure,” said Brown.

“I’m not being big headed but the same has happened with Pellegrini and Manchester City.

“Speculation surrounding who might be in charge there saw their results suffer and I think he had something like seven points from seven games.

“But this is up to me to resolve with the chairman.

Speculation linking Brown with Bolton intensified again on Friday night when Blues stayed at the Whites Hotel which is situated at the Trotters’ Macron Stadium.

However, Brown insisted nothing should be read into it.

“We’re in the north of the country and we stayed in a hotel which is part of the Macron Stadium,” said Brown.

“People put two and two together but it’s pure speculation.”

And Blues chairman Ron Martin believes the 56-year-old is keen to stay at Roots Hall.

“There has been no approach from Bolton to talk to Phil,” confirmed Martin.

“It would also surprise and disappoint me if Phil wished to leave in light of the conversations he and I have had about the future".

But, after Saturday’s setback, Blues have now not won in five games and remain 13th in the League One table with just two matches to go.