SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown heads into tomorrow’s game with Fleetwood Town buoyed by the support being shown to him by chairman Ron Martin.

Pressure is growing on the Blues boss after seven defeats in eight games.

But Brown - who has been in charge of the Shrimpers since March 2013 - continues to be backed by the Roots Hall hierarchy.

“A lot of chairmen might have gone a different way and I’m very appreciative of the support he’s shown me,” said Brown.

“To have had three managers in 14 years is a phenomenal record and I had a very positive meeting with him this week.”

The Shrimpers have fallen to 17th in the League One standings and sit just four points clear of the relegation zone.

But Brown is determined to turn things around and hopes to soon be able to bring in new signings to strengthen his side.

“We have six or seven irons in the fire with midfielders and six or seven irons in the fire with strikers too,” said the 58-year-old.

“The chairman is becoming very proactive with the support he’s trying to give me and new faces would give everyone a lift and breathe new life into the team.

“Maybe we could do that with a change of personnel and one or two playing in new roles.

“I’m not sure if we will bring anyone in before the weekend but my main focus is the game.

“We’re bleeding at the moment and we need to stop that as quickly as we can.”

And Brown will be doing all he can to make sure his players are prepared for the contest.

“Yes you get stick as a manager but the players are under pressure too and I need to alleviate that,” he said.

“The only way to do that is by winning a game of football, by bringing your A game to the table and I think it’s important we score first too because we have a great record when we do.”