SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is thrilled to have improved his striking options with the addition of Rhys Murphy.

The Shrimpers struggled badly in front of goal last season with no player hitting the back of the net more than three times.

And Brown knows that situation must be sorted if Blues are to get back on track.

“It’s not rocket science and we can all do the maths,” said Brown.

“We had scored 24 goals by the time I had arrived last season and I think we got another five so we got 29 goals.

“There’s no way on this earth that’s going to do anything in any division.

“You’re very lucky if you survive that kind of lack of quality.

"But Rhys will bring that quality.

“He brings an awareness around the penalty box and I’m hoping we’ve got the creativity and quality around the penalty box to cause teams a problem.

"But he’s also the type of player that will pop up in moments where you least expect him and stick the ball in the back of the net so you can nick a game 1-0.

“Sometimes you have to do that.”

And Brown has also been impressed by his early dealings with Murphy.

"I was impressed with the way he interviewed,” said Brown.

“He wanted to work with me, he wanted to work with a club that is ambitious and I think we ticked all of those boxes.

“Hopefully he will tick the box of scoring goals for us next year."