Southend United: London Marathon helps Phil Brown think

Southend United boss Phil Brown says the hours of training for the London Marathon give him time to think about football management.

The Shrimpers are currently in the League Two play-off places.

"It lends itself to clearing your head and thinking, including about systems, players and tactics," Brown told BBC Look East.

"With a strong last eight games, fingers crossed we can get over the winning line."

He added: "It's the business end of the season, and the marathon has actually taken my mind off it to a certain extent."

Brown, who has been training on Southend beach and promenade, hopes to raise £2,000 to be shared between two charities - Sparks, which supports pioneering children's medical research, and the Amy May Trust.

The Trust generates funds for the treatment of Blues chairman Ron Martin's niece, Amy May Shead, who is currently in hospital after suffering a severe anaphylactic reaction, including a cardiac arrest and consequent brain damage, to a bite of food in April 2014.

"I've been fit all my life but, at 55 years old, I am very apprehensive," added Brown ahead of his first marathon.

"About ten years ago I did a half-marathon, the Great North Run, but that's the most I've ever done.

"I'm doing 60-70km a week and looking forward to running my first Marathon. I'll be going all guns blazing, hopefully it'll be a great day and we can raise as much money as possible for the two charities."