SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown believes his side have run out of steam during the latter stages of the season.

Blues head to Bury this weekend for the final game of the League One campaign with just two wins in their last 13 outings.

And Brown feels the loss of form could be down to his side’s hectic schedule in the past two seasons.

“The way we’ve ended this season is synonymous of three years of hard work,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“A lot of the squad have been with me for three years and have not had much of an off season in that time.

“We’ve had two play-off campaigns and they’ve been at full tilt for quite some time but we will use this opportunity now to rest and recuperate.

“We have to make sure this doesn’t happen again and we need to come out with all guns blazing at the start of next season.”

Blues head to Bury sitting in 14th place in the League One standings.

Brown’s side had been in contention for the play-offs before suffering a poor run of results.

And Brown, who will be looking to avoid his first ever run of five successive defeats in charge of the Shrimpers, is keen to learn from what he feels has gone wrong.

“It’s my job to analyse what areas we need to improve on,” said the 56-year-old.

“I’ll be going through absolutely everything and that includes strength and conditioning work, fitness levels, preparation, mentality and defending set pieces.

“There’s loads to improve on and if we do then who knows where we can end up.

“But first and foremost is the game against Bury and we want to finish by breaking the 60-point barrier.”

Blues have David Worrall back in contention for Sunday’s game against his former side after he recovered from an illness which forced him out against Bradford.

Ted Smith looks set to continue into goal while midfielder Franck Moussa should figure at some stage.

However, Michael Timlin (knee) and Anthony Wordsworth (hamstring) will both miss out, along with Myles Weston whose agent will soon be holding talks with Brown.

“Myles had a point to prove before he got injured and he was proving in my eyes,” said Brown.

“His contract is up at the end of the season but I’ll be having a conversation with his agent today and we’ll see how that goes.”

Brown will also be holding talks with young striker Jason Wiliams who is part of the squad at Gigg Lane this weekend.

“I’m talking to Jason and his agent with regards to next season and I would like him to stay,” Brown added.