SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown remains frustrated in his bid to bolster his Shrimpers squad.

Brown is keen to make another three or four signings before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

But he does not envisage any new faces arriving before tomorrow’s clash at Port Vale.

“It’s the slowest game of cards I’ve ever been involved in and I don’t expect anything to be completed before Saturday’s game,” said Brown.

“I spent 23 hours on the phone on Wednesday and had to recharge the battery three times.

“But a lot of managers at the top end are keeping hold of their stock and I think the new loan rules - where loans have to be six months or a year - are making them more cautious.

“At the moment it’s a problem but come the end of the window the floodgates might open but we will have to wait and see.”

Blues have tabled two offers for centre-backs, one who is with a Premier League and another in the Championship and are also still chasing a League One midfielder.

However, no more progress has been made in the Shrimpers’ pursuit of Leyton Orient striker Jay Simpson “I’ve left that one in the hands of the hierarchy,” said Brown.

“We’ve done what we’ve done where that’s concerned and that’s probably all we’re going to do as well.

“But I do think the games against Gillingham have exposed the lack of depth in the squad.

“I’m sure other managers are having the same frustrations but we need to bring more players in for us to be able to compete.”

Brown will again be absent from the touchline tomorrow as he serves the third game of a four-match ban given for his behaviour at Bury on the final day of last season.