SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown is preparing himself for a different kind of challenge when highly-fancied Stockport County visit Roots Hall on Saturday.

The Hatters have invested heavily in their squad this season.

And Brown believes Simon Rusk’s side will provide a stern test.

“It’s a different kind of challenge,” said Brown.

“Stockport are a former EFL team like ourselves and they’ve certainly invested that’s for sure.

“Instead of the target being on our back like it was at King’s Lynn I think we will both have the target on our backs this weekend but we’re looking forward to it.”

Stockport, who finished third in the National League last season, made a number of signings this summer including the eye-catching addition of striker Scott Quigley from Barrow.

But Brown is hoping to show big budgets do not always guarantee success.

“Stockport will be in the top two or three with regards to financial investment this year but do finances always win you a game? Hopefully we can prove otherwise on Saturday,” said Brown.

“We’ve got to be prepared for teams who will can to Roots Hall and maybe try to stifle it a bit either with their football or tactical nous this season.

“But you’ve always got to entertain your home fans either with your football or an aggressive style of play.”

The Shrimpers kicked off their season with a 1-0 win at King's Lynn, roared on by a fantastic travelling contingent of supporters.

And Brown is now keen to secure more of the same on Saturday.

"We’re desperate to get to Roots Hall and get it rocking and bouncing again," said Brown.

"The supporters will be the same I’m sure and there’s an expectancy already.

"There’s a bubble being blown up by the supporters and we have to tick enough of the boxes on Saturday to keep them entertained."