SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown believes he is facing up to his toughest ever task in management.

 Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Scunthorpe United saw the Shrimpers slip to third from bottom in the League One standings, with just one win from their first seven games.

But Brown is certain he remains capable of turning things around.

“In my whole career this is the biggest challenge I’ve had,” said the 57-year-old.

“I’m not used to being in relegation battles but this is a tough challenge.

“The fans are entitled to their own opinions but as far as I’m concerned I’m absolutely the right man for the job and I can absolutely turn it around.”

However, there were few signs of encouragement at Glanford Park on Saturday.

And Brown was left questioning his side’s application in the second half as they were easily beaten by the Iron.

“We had a foothold in the game for the first half an hour but in the second half there were one or two out there who didn’t care,” said the Blues boss.

“One or two put their bodies on their line but the players have got to give more and some need to show more care and work-rate.

“They need to look at and analyse the work-rate of (Scunthorpe striker) Paddy Madden because it showed the difference between the two teams and he’s not even supposed to be fully fit at the moment.”

However Brown – whose side host Millwall at Roots Hall this weekend – remains determined to turn things around.

“We need to work with the group this week and try and galvanise them somehow,” said Brown.

“We need to try and get some of our injured players back too but I’m not going to use that as an excuse.

“To come here and lie down like we have done is unacceptable but it was one defeat in five games before this and we need to get ourselves going again now.”