Source: TheGuardian
Southend make it a dozen and counting despite Charlton’s late leveller | Jeremy Alexander
The 1-1 draw at Roots Hall extends the Shrimpers’ unbeaten run to 12 and ensures Phil Brown’s League One side start 2017 in sixth placeSouthend United will not be counting chickens or even shrimps. They entered 2016 seventh in League One but fizzled to 14th in May. A Boxing Day win and Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic, both at home, ensured sixth place this time and it would have been fifth but for an 89th-minute equaliser. Phil Brown, their manager, called it “a great advert for League One football and for the club”.Ten seasons ago they had a one-off campaign in the Championship while Charlton were in the Premier League. Brown, now in his fourth full season, got them out of League Two at the second attempt. If his success in leading Hull City into the top tier for the first time in 2008 may have gone to his head, Roots Hall has grounded him. Black overcoat, open-neck white shirt and hair amok define a man seemingly comfortable and popular in more modest surroundings. Related: Football League your thoughts: Bolton's Henry spoils party for Scunthorpe Continue reading......read full article
