Phil Brown's Southend United contracts talks 'ongoing'

Brown's side kept seven clean sheets from their last 10 league games last season

Southend United boss Phil Brown says his potential new contract has yet to be finalised.

Brown is entering the final year of his deal, after taking the Shrimpers to the League Two play-offs in his first full season in charge.

"It's not wrapped up. It's an ongoing scenario," he told BBC Essex,

"Negotiations are ongoing. Hopefully there will be a counter offer to what I've asked for. I want to put it to bed before the start of the season."

Southend finished fifth in the table last season but were beaten in their play-off semi-final by Burton.

As things stand, the former Hull City and Bolton boss would be out of contract within the next 12 months.

But the 55-year-old said in May that discussions over staying at Roots Hall beyond this season had started, and he was hopeful of signing within a "couple of weeks".

"It's not a million miles away. These things take time," he said.

"After the success of last year I think the chairman realised what we were trying to achieve long-term and wants to reward that with a new contract."