FORMER Hull City boss Phil Brown is to be handed the task of getting Southend promoted to League One after Paul Sturrock left Roots Hall.
But in a bizarre twist, Brown will have to let Sturrock lead out the Shrimpers at Wembley on April 7 when they meet Crewe in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final.
Southend chairman Ron Martin has made the change because he believes recent results from his ninth-placed team, who are six points off the play-offs, have not been good enough.
Confirmation of Brown's return to football was due to be announced today, but the 53-year-old is sure to be asked to improve on last season's failed play-off campaign.
Explaining his reasons for axing Sturrock, but allowing him to be in charge at Wembley, Martin said: "The decision I have had to make was a very hard call but one I instinctively know is correct and in the best interests of Southend.
"Most people associated with the club are currently thinking of the day out at Wembley and April 7 will be a special day in the club's history, a day for the town of Southend.
"The decisions here are driven by the wider interests of Southend while remaining conscious of what is fair and just. These may not be sentiments common to football but it is the way I want this club to be run.
"I too will look forward to our day out but, as chairman, my responsibility and focus must also be on the wider interests of the club."
Brown, 53, is the most successful boss in the Tigers' history, having led the club into the Premier League for the first time and kept them there.
He was appointed as manager in January 2007, and in 2007-08 led City to the Premier League for the first time in the club's 104-year history, beating Bristol City at Wembley in a play-off final.
The Tigers began the following season with a bang, winning six out of their first nine games, to rise to third in the table.
But a sharp dip in form followed, and they only avoided relegation on the final day because Newcastle couldn't beat Aston Villa, and went down instead.
In March 2010, Brown was put on gardening leave at City after a run of four defeats left the club in the relegation zone.
His contract was confirmed ended in June 2010, by which time the Tigers had been relegated under new manager Iain Dowie.
In January 2011, Brown became the new manager of Preston North End, but he was unable to save the club from relegation.
As a player, Brown made more than 600 appearances for Hartlepool, Halifax, Bolton and Blackpool.
He hasn't worked in management since being sacked by Preston last season, but is a regular TV and radio pundit.
