SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown has slammed ane idea to introduce a new B league.

The Blues boss has reacted angrily to suggestions that Premier League sides could enter a reserve team lower than the league system.

And Brown hopes the plans are soon forgotten about.

“I think this is an absolutely appalling idea,” said the former Hull City chief.

“It’s another example of the rich getting richer and I just don’t understand how this scheme has even got this far because it should be a complete non-starter.

“It would be a farce if it happened. Who would support these teams and would they be allowed to get promotion and be relegated?

“I just think the whole thing is ridiculous.”

The scheme has been proposed to give young players more of an opportunity to develop in the early stages of their career.

But Brown feels the loan system currently in place already enables that to happen.

“I think we’re testimony to how the loan system can help players improve and develop,” said the Shrimpers boss.

“We had Cauley Woodrow from Fulham, who went back into their team when he went back, Rob Kiernan did the same for Wigan and Jamar Loza certainly benefitted from his loan spell with us from Norwich.

“Last season, it was the same for Britt Assombalonga and now we also have the likes of John Egan and Jakub Sokolik doing well.

“The loan system between clubs at the top might not be so good but that’s for them to look at and worry about.

“And this new proposal is not the answer and has clearly not been thought through properly.”