PHIL Brown has been sacked by Southend United, along with assistant manager Craig Fagan.

A club statement confirmed: "Southend United can confirm that Phil Brown and Craig Fagan have been relieved of their duties effective immediately.

"The search for a new manager starts today.

"The club will be making no further comment at this time."

Blues were beaten 4-0 by Chesterfield at Roots Hall this afternoon and are 20th in the National League standings.

Brown led the Shrimpers to promotion via the League Two play-offs during his first spell in charge which ended in January 2018.

The 62-year-old returned to Roots Hall in April for the final six games of last season but was unable to keep the club in the Football League.

Brown signed a two year contract to stay in charge in the summer but has now been dismissed following a poor start to the season which has seen Blues win just two of their opening 10 games.

An Echosport poll, which has attracted more than 1,500 votes so far, has 80 per cent of supporters agreeing with the decision.

Fagan was originally named Blues' under 23 coach in August 2019 before becoming assistant manager following Brown's return to the club.