Southend United boss Phil Brown unsure who he will face in dug-out

The Robins have appointed former Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood as their director of football.

And Brown is among those uncertain if it is Sherwood or Swindon head coach Luke Williams who is now in charge of the team.

“I went to watch Swindon’s game with Eastleigh and I’m really not sure what’s going on there and who is in charge of the team but that’s a question for them to answer not us,” said Brown.

“They’ve been having a hard time of it just recently, maybe down to the changes that have happened, but we have to be focused on ourselves and also be tactically aware.

“When I saw them the player who had the most passes and touches of the ball was actually the goalkeeper which shows how they like to play.

“I personally don’t subscribe to that theory and I don’t understand when that happens either.

“The central midfielder should be the best passer but that’s Swindon’s style and we will have to find a way of stifling it.”

Swindon arrive at Roots Hall sitting 20th in the League One table, just one place and one position above the relegation zone.

Town have also triumphed just once in their last seven games.

But, despite his own side’s recent good form, Brown is taking nothing for granted tonight.

“The last few league performances and results have been very pleasing but we will have to make sure we’re fully switched on this evening if we are to keep this run we’re on going,” said Brown.

“We’re certainly coming into the game in good shape and we need those coming into the team to step up to plate.”

Happy Kyprianou (calf) and John White (hamstring) both face late fitness tests tonight but could challenge Michael Timlin for a spot at left-back - in place of the injured Ben Coker - if they are passed fit.

Striker Simon Cox (groin) is also doubtful with a groin problem and is likely to be replaced by Marc-Antoine Fortune if he fails to recover in time to face his former team.