SOUTHEND United boss Phil Brown says the vacant managerial post at Sunderland would be his dream job.

Brown - who has been in charge of the Shrimpers since March 2013 - insisted he remains fully focused on his job at Roots Hall.

But the 58-year-old did not hide his admiration for the Black Cats.

“Sunderland are my football club and being the manager of Sunderland would be my dream job because of that,” said Brown.

“I have supported Sunderland for more than 50 years and would go and watch them when I was a kid with a black, red and white scarf tied round my wrist like everyone seemed to do back then. I have fond memories of that time and it’s a very big club.

“But for whatever reason they’re going through a torrid time at the moment and it’s not very nice to see.”

Sunderland - who were relegated from the Premier League last season - are currently 22nd in the Championship and sacked Simon Grayson following the midweek draw with fellow strugglers Bolton.

And Brown was sad to see Grayson depart.

“I was following the game while watching our FA Youth Cup game at MK Dons and I did fear it was must win for Simon,” said Brown.

“It wasn’t nice to see him leave but it’s definitely Sunderland which is my dream job and not Bolton despite my long association with them.”

Brown’s Southend side are currently 11th in League One and Brown remains determined to secure more success for the Shrimpers.

“I’m very focused on being the manager of Southend and the FA Cup tie we have at Yeovil on Saturday,” said Brown.

“That’s all I’m thinking about, but my contract is up at the end of the season.”

Former Sunderland boss Peter Reid is currently the bookmakers’ favourite for the job.