SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has revealed he is resigned to losing both Daniel Bentley and Jack Payne at the end of the season.

Bentley was on the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Bradford City at Roots Hall while Payne failed to make the squad.

And Brown now expects them both to depart in the summer.

“I am now resigned to losing both Jack Payne and Daniel Bentley and think they will leave,” said the Blues boss.

“It’s disappointing as the manager of Southend that I haven’t been able to secure Dan Bentley’s signature.

“And we’ve also had an email from Jack Payne and his representatives that saddens me really.

“These two lads came through the youth system here and I’m really disappointed for Ricky Duncan, the academy and the likes of Graham Coughlan who have put so much time and effort into developing them.”

Bentley, who has made 160 appearances for Blues, has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the lower leagues while Payne has now also emerged as an exciting talent.

The attacking midfielder has bagged 17 goals in 87 appearances.

But Brown believes staying with the Shrimpers would have been better for the duo’s progress.

“I’m probably biased but I think their progress is right where it is now,” said the 56-year-old.

“If something then came up in the next two or three years then all well and good.

“However, they get their heads turned by agents and bigger and better things in their eyes.

“I just hope they’re not making the wrong move at the wrong time and that the agents are acting in the best interests of the two lads because I know I was.”

But Brown, whose side slipped down to 14th in the League One table following Saturday’s setback, will now have to work on building another Blue squad without two of his star assets.

“With them both leaving it means I’ll have space in the squad and hopefully a transfer kitty for next season as well,” said Brown.

“I honestly thought Jack was someone who could have carried us to the Championship next year.

“But we couldn’t have done any more to keep him and it’s the same with Dan Bentley too.”