SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown is desperate to bring hope back to Blues fans.

The Shrimpers, who have suffered back to back relegations, will be lining up in the National League next season.

And Brown is keen to lift the spirit of the supporters. 

"The most important factor for me is the fans," said Brown.

"I know they have their gripes with the owner but once we start playing football again we have to focus on that.

"I hope that whatever we do in the close season will give them hope because they’ve had nothing but dire times over the past two of three years."

Blues will now be bidding to get back into the Football League.

But Brown knows it will be far from straight forward.

"We will be a massive fish in an ocean we have to swim in next year," said Brown.

"The National League is fraught with danger and it’s dangerous and choppy waters.

"Over half the division are probably ex Football League clubs so there’s no divine right to get out of it.

"But I don’t want to spend too long in there and the contract will be relevant to that as well."