PHIL Brown has confirmed he wants to stay as manager of Southend United.

After weeks of uncertainty about his future, the bookmakers’ favourite to be the next manager of Bolton Wanderers has now withdrawn his name from the race.

Brown was called to a meeting with his chairman Ron Martin and chief executive Steve Kavanagh on Wednesday evening to discuss his future.

And, speaking yesterday, the 56-year-old ruled out the possibility of a return to the club he served for a decade-and-a-half as player and coach.

“I want to say to the punters that I’m here for the next two games and I’m certainly going to be in charge for next season too,” said Brown.

“The players can also go away this summer knowing 100 per cent I’ll be in charge when they come back.”

Although Southend chief Martin issued several statements denying any contact with Wanderers, warning off Brown’s potential suitors, the man himself has done little over the last few weeks to hide his interest.

The Shrimpers stayed in the Whites Hotel to prepare for their game against Wigan Athletic last weekend and the former club captain admitted in a television interview a fortnight ago that his “heartstrings” are still with Wanderers.

Although no official approach was ever made, it is understood the six-figure compensation fee which was due to Southend made a deal impossible to fund.

Brown’s reluctance to stamp out the speculation ensure it continued apace – and Southend’s form also suffered, their play-off chase faltering after a run of just one win in eight games.

But Brown reckons the stream of stories have also taken a personal toll.

“I hope the fans will understand that the speculation has hurt me as much as anybody else,” he said. “It’s the same for my family in the north-west of England too.

“They’re four hours away and I don’t see them day to day, or often week to week. “They’re reading local speculation saying I’m coming back towards them but I’m not.

“I’m in Southend for the foreseeable future, until someone tells me otherwise.”

The hunt for Wanderers’ next boss remains a complex operation, with both owners currently favouring different candidates.

Oldham Athletic boss John Sheridan is known to be one of the names in the frame, while Gary Bowyer and John Carver have also spoken about the post.

Peter Reid has also been put forward as a possible candidate next season alongside a younger protégée, with ex-Wanderers skipper Kevin Nolan currently the most likely man.