SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown has been named on a four man short-list for the League One manager of the month award for November.

Brown’s side took eight points from their four league games during an impressive period.

And Brown was delighted to have received the nomination.

“I think getting a nomination for manager of the month is always a good sign because it means that something has gone well and it definitely did for us during November,” said the Blues chief.

“Coming into November things weren’t really looking too clever for us if I’m honest.

“We were just outside the relegation zone so to go from that to picking up two points per game and being close to the play-offs was extremely encouraging.

“We’ve had a real concious change of system during that time and the team has really been allowed to take the hand-brake off.

“There has also been a real change in mentality which has made a difference and I feel as though we’re now back to what we used to be.

“We’ve made ourselves hard to play against again which is pleasing to see but a lot of people have been responsible for the turn-around and all deserve praise for this nomination.”

Blues’ unbeaten league run during November continued a remarkable record which has seen them go without a league defeat in the 11th month of the year since 2009.

During that time, the Shrimpers have gone 28 league games without losing and have picked up an impressive 64 points from the 84 on offer.

And Brown would be happy to win the award, despite many believing it is cursed.

“I think it’s been proven that the curse is a bit of a myth and of course we, as a club, would be happy to win the award but some excellent managers have been nominated as well,” said the 57-year-old.

“I think I won manager of the month for November last year and maybe the year before that as well so it’s historically been a good month for us.

“But it’s in the past now and we have to focus on December because this is going to be a massive few weeks for us.

“Three of our next four league games are at home where we have been doing well and this period leading up to the transfer window could well define our season.”

Thanks to their unbeaten November, Blues are now 10th in the League One table and sit just a point outside the play-off places.

But Brown still faces strong competition to pick up the award.

Scunthorpe United boss Graham Alexander has also been nominated along with Gillingham chief Justin Edinburgh - who lined up for the Shrimpers in his playing career - and Kevin Nugent who enjoyed a successful spell as caretaker manager at Charlton Athletic before Karl Robinson took control at the Valley.

The winner of the award will be announced on Friday morning,