SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown insisted he was down but not out following tonight's dire 2-0 defeat at Colchester.

The second from bottom Shrimpers are now eight points from safety with just three games to go after being seen off by their Essex rivals.

But Brown stressed Blues will continue to fight in a bid to beat the drop.

"I don’t think this condemns us to relegation at all as far as I’m concerned and I’ll keep going," said Brown.

“I’ll do my job to the best of my ability but there was a spell in the first half where it looked like they’d lost the script.”

And Brown felt U’s striker Frank Nouble, a former Southend forward, played a pivotal part for the home-side.

“To be fair the difference between the two teams was the front man,” said Brown.

“I’m not Frank’s biggest friend or his biggest enemy but I admired what he did tonight.

“To be disappointed Frank was the difference between the two teams hurts me a little bit.”

And Brown was also frustrated by aspects of his own side’s display.

“We don’t have enough heart, drive or determination in front of Mark Oxley to bail him out,” said Brown.

“If we go a goal behind the spirit of the group seems to be we’re beaten.

“I’m trying to get that belief back but it’s clearly imbedded in the group.

“But we keep going.

“Am I down? Yes. Am I out? Not a chance.

“And if anyone dare say we’re finished then get out.

“They’re out the changing room.”

But Brown confirmed strong discussions would be taking place in the dressing room.

“There are one or two in there who have let us down but I won’t be saying who in public,” said Brown.

“If they don’t know who it is it will be pointed out behind closed doors before we prepare for what we need to be a winning performance against Leyton Orient.”