PHIL Brown’s future as manager of Southend United is very much in doubt, Echosport understands.

Crunch talks are believed to be taking place at Roots Hall today but the club have yet to make an announcement.

The Shrimpers are currently 18th in the League One table, two points above the drop zone after suffering a run of eight defeats in nine games.

Blues had been hoping to push for promotion this season after missing out on the play-offs by just a point last time around.

But the team have been unable to impress on a consistent basis and have won just twice in the League since October.

Brown has been charge of the Shrimpers since March 2013 and has won 98 of his 251 matches as manager.

The 58-year-old led Blues to promotion from League Two via the play-offs in 2015 as they beat Wycombe Wanderers on penalties at Wembley