Southend United boss Phil Brown is relishing the challenge against Coventry City tonight at the Ricoh Arena, as he goes up against a good friend of his in the form of City manager Tony Mowbray.
The Sky Blues have started the season well, but Brown says his side have 'nothing to fear', especially after being boosted by a couple of fresh faces this week.
“We've been given an extra couple of days and we've managed to add to the squad in the build up to the game in the form of Stephen McLaughlin and Glen Rea,” the Blues boss began.
“We're looking fresher, we're looking livelier and we'll certainly be stronger. The signings are real pluses and they've played at a higher level as well. There big boosts for us and in Glen Rea, it's a similar situation to what we've done in the past with John Egan and Jakub Sokolik.
“I'll have one or two selection headaches. Coventry are a big club and a very good side. There's a reason why they're up to top of the league.
“We've got nothing to fear and apart from the game against Walsall, we've shown what we can do.”
And on his friend Mowbray, Brown believes the experienced former Celtic, Middlesbrough and West Brown boss will set his side up well for the clash in League 1
“Tony's a very studious manager. He thinks about the game and he always prepares his team well. He encourages the flair side of the game and they have potency in the front line and a clean sheet mentality. It'll be a tough game at the start of what will be a big week for us.”