SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin hopes to have chosen the Shrimpers’ next manager by the end of next week.

Blues are currently on the look-out for a new boss following Phil Brown’s departure on Saturday.

And Martin has already started talking to possible appointments.

“We’ve got a list and we’re already talking to them,” Martin told talkSPORT.

“I guess by the end of next week we will have chosen somebody.”

The Shrimpers are currently 20th in the National League standings after just two wins in their opening 10 games of the season.

And that led to Martin opting to part company with Brown.

“Phil Brown and I got on very well for five years,” said Martin.

“When I brought him back I thought he would be motivated and he seemed to be but I’m not sure he needs it as much anymore.”

Martin will be joined by chief executive Tom Lawrence, director Gary Lockett and ex Shrimpers striker Stan Collymore in picking the next manager.

And Martin admitted mistakes had been made when selecting previous managers.

“The decisions I make, along with my other board members, relate primarily to the manager,” said Martin.

“I’ve got the managers wrong and I really hope we’ll get it right this time.

“We’ll be making the decision more by committee this time rather than me alone.

“I haven’t stopped funding the club throughout but I’ve obviously chosen the wrong managers and something has gone wrong.”

Martin’s running of the Shrimpers has infuriated supporters who continue to protest for him to quit the club.

But Martin insists he will not be leaving any time soon.

“I’ll continue to support the club but there will come a time when I will elegantly leave and sell it to people who will support the club too,” said Martin.

“I just don’t want to walk out and leave it and it will fail.

“I’ll continue my efforts in conjunction with the council who have been hugely supportive and will deliver its future.

“When it’s on a sustainable footing then I’ll find a new owner.”

But Martin did admit to having lost focus.

“I would confess I may have taken my eye off the ball at some stages and lockdown didn’t help but I reflect on it, “said Martin.

“I used to micro-manage the club and I haven’t been doing that.

“But I’ve got a CEO in now who is very, very good.”