SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has stressed how a collective effort is needed to end the Shrimpers' struggles in front of goal.

Blues have failed to score in nine of their last 12 outings.

But Brown wants more than just the strikers to step forward in a bid to put things right. 

"Everyone blames the number nine and the strike force but it’s a collective unit," said Brown.

"When we get a clean sheet I praise everybody and goalscoring is a collective responsibility we’ve got to address.

"Whether that’s the previous regime, whether it’s recruitment it doesn’t matter.

"We’ve got four games to put it right.

"We need goals and we’ve been working on one or two changes.

"We want to see that creativity and a response in the final third."

Blues have also failed to score in both of Brown's games since he returned to Roots Hall.

And the 61-year-old knows exactly what needs fixing. 

"We’re fighting for our lives and we’ve been a little bit nervous in front of goal," said Brown.

"That last bit of quality in the final third is the only ingredient which has been missing.

"But I have to commend the players for their effort and determination and the way they’re taking on board everything I’m saying.

"We’ve got to get that win and if we get that on Tuesday then the Leyton Orient game starts to look a little bit different."