I KNOW there has been a lot of talk regarding my future at Southend United this week but, as I have already said in the Echo, I remain fully committed to the club.
Speculation linking me with Bolton is flattering and, as I always say to the players, anything like this regarding any of us should be seen as a good thing because it means we’re doing something right.
But I’ve certainly had no contact from anyone at Bolton and I’ve not spoken to anybody there either.
I’m fully focused on the job I have to do at Southend United and trying to make sure we get promotion via the play-offs this season.
Phil Brown - guided Blues to a 2-0 win at Barnsley on Saturday
As soon as I finish this column I’ll be ringing the chairman to talk about Saturday’s game with Gillingham.
I’m also focusing on the future and contract talks are still ongoing with players whose deals are up at the end of the season.
Maybe they’re not signing because of the uncertainty surrounding my future, I’m not sure.
But it’s something I’m working on and I’m keen to get sorted so they’re all signed up.
MASSIVE MATCH AGAINST GILLINGHAM
IT’S another massive match for us this weekend as we face Gillingham at Roots Hall.
I’m sure there will be a big crowd and a great atmosphere in the ground and it’s a game with a lot riding on it.
Gillingham are having a great season and are still right in the race for automatic promotion.
We’re going for the play-offs and we’re also keen to get the three points because of how our game ended at their ground earlier on in the season.
Justin Edinburgh - heading back to Roots Hall this weekend
Conceding a late equaliser, from a mis-hit cross, was extremely tough to take and was a bitter pill to have to swallow when we thought we were on course for a great away win.
But funnily enough we took the squad to Cheltenham races earlier on in the week and we bumped into the Gillingham squad while we were there.
I had a drink with their manager Justin Edinburgh and it certainly has the makings of a good game this weekend.
EVERYONE IS INCONSISTENT THIS SEASON
A LOT has been made of our inconsistency after our great win at Barnsley last weekend but I don’t think it’s just us in that category this season.
Every week at the moment there seems to be some crazy results and maybe it’s because of the added pressure there is at this time of the season.
But it’s been a year of inconsistency for a lot of teams and unexpected results – none more so than in the Premier League with Leicester City still being top which I have to say I think is fantastic.
WORRALL AND WESTON BACK IN CONTENTION
WE should have another two players back in our squad this weekend with David Worrall and Myles Weston both available again.
Wozza had the stitches from the back of his knee removed yesterday and fingers crossed he will be back in training today looking to be part of the squad against Gillingham.
Back in contention - Myles Weston
Myles also played 90 minutes for the under 21s at Bournemouth on Tuesday which is great news and he’s very much in my thoughts for the Gillingham game now.
HURSTY WAS MAGNIFICENT
I CAN’T sing Kevan Hurst’s praises high enough after how he played on his return to the team at Barnsley on Saturday.
Considering how long he has been out of the side I thought he was magnificent and a cross he produced to set up Tyrone Barnett was of the highest quality.
Tyrone will thrive on that kind of service and Kevan also deserves credit for how he has conducted himself while out of the side.
He’s a lovely man who has done everything we’ve asked and he’s listened to everything we’ve had to say too.
Kevan Hurst - back in the team at Barnsley on Saturday
He’s a fantastic professional and he certainly did his chances no harm at all at the weekend.
Glen Kamara also did very well and showed what an excellent prospect he is.
Being an Arsenal player he’s obviously very good on the ball but it’s a different game at this level with players coming in to try and hurt you.
I’ve spoken to his coaches at Arsenal and they tell me Arsene Wenger gets frustrated with Glen when he just keeps the ball for the sake of just keeping the ball.
That was something which surprised me if I’m honest but when Glen plays progressive footballer what a player he is and we saw that at Barnsley.
Hopefully it’s something we will keep on seeing during our remaining 10 games as well.
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