RICKY Duncan believes Phil Brown is already making a positive impact at Southend United.

The long-serving Shrimpers academy manager has moved up to work alongside the returning Blues boss for the final six games of the season.

And Duncan feels it has already made a difference in Southend’s fight for survival.

“Phil is quite a character,” said Duncan.

“He’s an infectious guy and he brings in a lot of positivity.

“The squad has always been good enough and Phil is starting to get across what he’s about.

“They’re responding and Phil really does has unbelievable energy.

“He’s so positive around the players and that’s starting to rub off on them already.”

Brown, who previously spent five years in charge of the Shrimpers, drew 0-0 with Crawley Town in his first game back on Saturday.

And Duncan is relishing working alongside the 61-year-old once again.

“It’s always good to get involved and be around the first team,” said Duncan.

“I worked with Phil for five years so we know each other really well and I know how he works.

“Craig Fagan knows Phil well too having played for him at Hull so it’s been good.

“Phil knows a lot of other staff here as well as some of the players and that means he’s been able to hit the ground running which definitely helps.”

However, the new look management team have a huge task on their hands as Blues remain second from bottom in the standings, four points from safety with just five games to go.

But Duncan is fully focused on trying to close on Colchester United who sit just above the drop zone.

“We’ve still got a chance and we’ve got to keep going,” said Duncan.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re in the running to stay up and that’s what it’s about.

“We will take each game as it comes, starting with Exeter on Saturday.”

And Duncan has yet to consider what will happen next season.

“At the moment I see this being until the end of the season, helping and being there to support Phil,” said Duncan.

“We will see what happens and hopefully we will still be in League Two.

“I’ve still got the academy which is great as that’s my passion.

“I wouldn’t want to lose that but for the next few games I’m combining that to make sure we’re still a League club at the end of the season.

“That’s obviously the most important thing right now.”