FORMER Southend United manager Phil Brown admits it took him time to get to grips with living in the south of the country.

Brown had spent the majority of his career in the north before becoming Blues boss in March 2013.

And Brown felt it took time for him to adjust.

“I really do think there’s a north south divide in terms of mentality and that extends into football,” said Brown.

“I have to admit I found it difficult at first but I got to grips with it in the end.

“It was the first time I had worked south of Derby really.

“I took a chance on Southend and it was a massive for me and my family.

“It was a test of me coming south and working with a different mentality but I enjoyed it.”

Brown helped Blues win promotion from League Two during a five year spell at Roots Hall. 

But he remains disappointed not to have helped the Shrimpers work their way into the Championship.

“I thought if Southend got the new stadium they could really climb the footballing ladder and get into the Championship because it definitely had the potential,” said Brown.

“My biggest disappointment was missing out on the play-offs on the final day of the season as we tried to get into the Championship.”

Blues beat Bury in their final outing of the 2016/17 season but Millwall’s 4-3 victory at Bristol Rovers meant Brown’s side finished a point outside the play-offs.

“Doing the lap of honour after the game was the saddest moment I ever had at Southend,” said Brown.

“We had all put in so much work and energy including Ron (Martin) but it wasn’t meant to be.

“I remember there was seven minute delay in the Millwall game and you do always think there was a bit of skulduggery because everyone was supposed to be playing at the same time.”