SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown will be looking for a winning recipe on his return to Halifax Town this weekend.

Brown made 158 appearances in a three year spell with the Shaymen in the 1980s during which he also ran his own pub and restaurant in the local area.

But the Blues boss will be putting his fondness for his former team to one side on Saturday.

“They say once a Shayman always a Shayman and that is true,” said Brown.

“I have fond memories of the area, the people and the football club but I won’t be fond of them on Saturday.

“I’m going there with one thing on my mind and that’s to win the game because if we do that then it could really kick-start our season.”

The Shrimpers have not triumphed since winning at King’s Lynn on the opening day of the season.

But Brown wants that to change on his first competitive return to the Shay.

“This will be the first time I’ve ever managed against Halifax,” said Brown.

“The last time I was there sat in the stands I was manager at Preston North End and we were scouting Jamie Vardy.

“We ended up getting done by Fleetwood there but I see Saturday as going back to where it all started for me.

“Everyone thinks it was Hartlepool where it started for me.

“Yes I made my debut there and played 200 games but my first move south was Halifax and I have really fond memories of the place.

But it was not just the football that Brown focused on.

“I had my own restaurant there and my own pub too,” said Brown.

“I had my own life there and I’ve been invited into the boardroom after the game by the ex players association.

“It’s nice to know I’m still well regarded there but it will be the three points which matter most.”