SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown felt it was a ‘no brainer’ to bring Josh Coulson to Blues.

The experienced centre-back has twice won promotion from the National League.

And Brown insisted it made perfect sense to sign Coulson for the Shrimpers.

"Josh looks like a leader, he looks like he’s got a voice and the two promotions on his CV made it a no brainer to me,” said Brown.

"He’s 32 and that’s no age for anybody these days, certainly the way the game is going in terms of fitness levels.

“I’ve got no qualms whatsoever and he should kick into the second year of his contract no problem at all.”

Coulson has signed a one year deal with the option of a further 12 months at Roots Hall.

And the defender made a good impression on Brown.

“When I met him he spoke a lot of sense,” said Brown.

“He spoke about his respect for Justin Edinburgh and there were lots of things to like about the guy.

"He knows how to play the game from a centre-half perspective and he also gives us the option to play three centre backs if necessary.

"I was well impressed with the man and I’m looking forward to working with him."