SOUTHEND United will not be appointing a new under 23 team coach.

Craig Fagan will step up from that role to become assistant manager.

And Blues boss Phil Brown does not expect to bring in a replacement.

“We won’t be looking for an under 23s coach at the moment, I think we will cover it all,” said Brown.

“The way I’m looking at it I’ll coach them one day a week, Craig Fagan does the same and then there will be that continuity.”

However, Brown will be looking for a new first team coach and has been encouraged by the level of applicants so far.

“There’s been a great response,” said Brown.

“The more applicants we get the better and the better it will be for the backroom staff too.

“The more coaches then the better it will be for the players as well.”