PHIL Brown insists he is facing up to an ‘absolutely massive’ day in Southend United’s season.

The Blues boss has until 11pm tonight to strengthen his squad below the closure of the transfer window.

And he believes new signings are essential if his side are to avoid a season of season.

“This is an absolutely massive day for us and our season and if we have to get it right,” said Brown.

“Come 11pm tonight we’re going to know if we’re going to be in with a half a chance this season or if we’re going to be in for a long, hard season.

“If it goes our way then it could be the best transfer deadline day we’ve had but it could also be one of the worst.

“We’re all working as hard as we can but it’s just impossible to know how these things are going to pan out.”

Brown has found it tough to bring transfer targets to Roots Hall this summer.

But Blues are in talks with three strikers, three centre-backs and two central midfielders.

And Brown is also looking elsewhere for players.

“We’re in talks about seven or eight targets and we’re also monitoring one or two others,” said the 57-year-old.

“One should be playing for Ipswich under 21s against us today and we’re monitoring one from the Brighton squad last night too so we’re looking everywhere we can.

“Hopefully everything will start to fall into place and we will see the fruits of our hard labour.”