RICKY Duncan says he has mixed emotions working with Southend United’s first team.

Duncan, the Shrimpers’ long-serving academy manager, is enjoying working with the club’s senior players.

But he also remains saddened by the departure of Phil Brown as the club’s manager.

“On the pitch it’s nice to be working with the senior players but off it it’s still sad,” said Duncan.

“The relationship I had with Phil here was the best working relationship I’ve ever had with a manager.

“He did an awful lot for the youths that people didn’t see but I did because I was with him every day.

“He was a big part of the success we’ve had bringing boys through and the success we will continue to have as well so it’s a real shame what’s happened.

“But we all know this happens in football and we have to do everything we can now to make sure the players are well prepared for Saturday’s game at Rochdale.”

Duncan has been back in charge of the Shrimpers’ youth set-up since 2005 and helped produce a number of players for the first team.

And he is happy to be making the step up himself.

“Kevin and I have been asked to work with the first team by the chairman and we will do everything we can to help the club for however long as needed,” said Duncan.

“We spoke with the players yesterday and training went well.

“I’m sure it will again today and all we’re focusing on at the moment is making sure we’re all as well prepared as possible for the game at Rochdale.

“We know it’s a big game but they’re all big games at this level.”

Blues head into Saturday's match having triumphed just twice in the League since the end of October.

But it will not be the first time Duncan has taken control of first team affairs after he did the same during his spell at Cambridge United.

“I had three games at Cambridge with the first team and I enjoyed it,” said Duncan.

“I was a lot younger then and had more hair but I enjoy coaching and working with players.

“It’s nice to be doing this but it’s tinged with sadness because of Phil moving on.”

Midfielder Dru Yearwood, striker Norman Wabo, defender Elvis Bwomono and goalkeeper Nathan Bishop - who Duncan brought through the youth system at Roots Hall - will all push for places in the squad for Saturday’s game.

Harry Kyprianou, who joined as an under-21 player, could also feature.