SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown wants to see a ‘backlash’ from his side when they face Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.

Brown slammed Blues as ‘embarrassing’ following last weekend’s 5-0 defeat at Rotherham United.

And he is demanding an immediate improvement this weekend.

“I’m sure Plymouth will be coming here expecting a backlash from us after we got done 5-0 and that’s exactly what we need to happen,” said Brown.

“We’ve investigated why last week didn’t go to plan and why certain individuals didn’t perform.

“I’ve got to the bottom of a few things but as disappointing as it was it’s not the end of the world.

“We’ve lost one game but if we win tomorrow then it’s six points out of nine and it’s been a good start with the two points per game ratio you need for promotion so that’s the challenge in front of us now.”

And victory this weekend would also secure a superior start to last season.

“Last year we took four points from the five games we had in August and we have a chance to beat that already with a good result tomorrow,” said Brown.

“I want us to smash last season’s record but all we’re really thinking about at the moment is making sure we beat Plymouth.”

The Pilgrims were promoted from League Two last season.

And Brown believes they will be tough opponents tomorrow.

“Plymouth are very much a club back on the up,” said the Blues boss.

“Since the chairman came in a few years ago they’ve progressed every year and they have some good players.

“I went to watch them in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday night but I’m only really focusing on us if I’m honest.”

However, Brown will not be making too many changes to his starting line-up.

“I certainly won’t be making wholesale changes to the team,” said Brown.

“Seven days before the Rotherham game we had a very good performance and we need to get back to that level.

“One or two are obviously coming into consideration and Rob Kiernan has brought his A game to the party.

“Playing twice in succession like he did last week was way ahead of what we expected but he’s come through that fine.

“He’s in contention and so are one or two others because we need a reaction.”