Chris Powell lined-up to replace sacked Phil Brown at Southend United

Phil Brown, one of the longest-serving managers in the Football League, has today (Wednesday) been sacked by Southend United following a rotten run of eight defeats in nine games.

Well, Brown is actually on “gardening leave” while the two parties agree a settlement, but we all know what that means.

In recent weeks Brown’s future at the struggling club had been the source of immense speculation, but with his contract not running out until the summer, the club were expected to wait until the end of the season to make a change in the dugout.

However,in the end the board lost patience with the perma-tanned boss, stating:

"Recent performances have been unacceptable and in the board's view the lack of discipline, Nile Ranger a case in point, has only served to compound the position.

"The club's success as we enter a new era is paramount and we shall adopt a zero tolerance in our efforts to achieve this objective."

(Quote via statement on club’s website)

Southend, who had been managed by Brown since 2013, are currently 18th in League One, just two points above the relegation zone, and if rumours are to be believed then it’s Chris Powell who is set to replace Brown at Roots Hall.

Powell made over 250 appearances for the Shrimpers (1990-1996) in his playing days, before moving onto the likes of Derby, Charlton and West Ham, while he collected five England caps.

Powell is best known in management for his spells in charge of Charlton, with whom he led to the League One title, and Huddersfield, while he's also had caretaker stints at Leicester and Derby.

However, he's not held a permanent position since leaving Huddersfield in November 2015, with a certain David Wagner coming over in the other direction…

If Powell does get the Southend job, then his first game in charge could be a crunch clash away to rock-bottom Rochdale on Saturday.

Rumour has it Chris Powell is set to return to the dugout with Southend following the sacking of Phil Brown.

Would you be happy with this appointment #Shrimpers fans? pic.twitter.com/BOjlX00eOF

— The Sack Race (@thesackrace) January 17, 2018