HITC Sport understands former England international to take over at Southend.
Former Charlton and Huddersfield boss Chris Powell is being lined up to replace Phil Brown as Southend’s new manager, HITC Sport understands.
Brown is in the process of finalising his departure from Southend after being placed on gardening leave on Wednesday following a poor run of form.
Southend have lost eight of their last nine games to leave them just two points above the drop zone in League One, and the club have decided to act.
The former Southend defender is the club’s top target to succeed Brown, with Powell a popular figure at the club after spending six seasons at Roots Hall between 1990-96.
The 48-year-old had a spell in caretaker charge of Leicester before becoming Charlton manager in 2011 and he led the club to the League One title in his first full season in charge.
After being sacked by Charlton in 2014 he took over at Huddersfield Town, but he lasted just over a year in charge of the Terriers with David Wagner taking over.
Powell, who won five caps for England, enjoyed spells as assistant manager at Derby, but he has been out of work since last March after leaving the Rams.
Powell made over 250 appearances for the Shrimpers in his playing days and the club hope he can be the man to lead them to safety in League One this season.
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