DION Dublin feels Southend United are lucky to have Phil Brown as manager.

The former Hull City boss will be taking charge of the Shrimpers in the National League next season.

And, having had his own battles against Brown down the years, Dublin remains a fan of the 61-year-old who has returned for a second spell at Roots Hall.

“I know Browny well and he’s a good bloke,” said Dublin.

“I’ve come across him many times in management and playing back in the day too.

“He’s a good footballing man and I think Southend are lucky to have him to be honest with you.

“He knows the game very well, he coaches well and man manages well too.

“I’m pleased that someone like Southend have him and he’s a proven manager.

“He’s a good bloke but I still think he owes me a fiver to be honest!”

Dublin, who now works as a television presenter and summariser, scored 111 Premier League goal during his own career which also saw him win four caps for England.

However, Dublin first came to prominence while in the lower leagues with Cambridge United and the 52-year-old enjoyed many battles with Blues during a successful period for both clubs.

“They were great days,” said Dublin.

“I think it was called Division Four back then still but I played at Roots Hall many, many times.

“Most grounds we played at back then were cold, ugly and had no hot water.

“The floodlights weren’t great and that was everywhere.

“It was a proper scrap and a real mental fight too.

“We did OK back then at Cambridge United and a lot of teams didn’t like playing against us because we were horrible.

“You did what you had to win the game but I remember that Southend side and the games we had.

“They had Brett Angell and Chrissy Powell all those type of players who are kind of my age.

“But they were good times and it was a proper league back then too.

“It was horrible ugly men scrapping for everything and I loved it.

“It was my kind of football.”

Dublin joined Manchester United from Cambridge in 1992 and went on to play for both Coventry City and Aston Villa.