ANTON Ferdinand insists he was unable to turn down the opportunity to work with Southend United manager Phil Brown.

The former West Ham United defender – who cost Sunderland £8million in 2008 – has joined the Shrimpers until the end of the season.

And it was being bossed by Brown which persuaded Ferdinand to drop down to League One level.

“When I knew it was him (Phil Brown) who was calling me I had no hesitation at all in coming to talk to him,” said Ferdinand, 31.

“When a manager like this comes along you can’t turn a blind eye because what he’s done in the game is fantastic.

“There’s a lot of respect for him in football and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Ferdinand was introduced to the Roots Hall faithful before Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town.

And he is keen to help Blues stick together as they bid to bounce back to winning ways.

“As a group we need to stick together and that’s players, staff and fans,” said Ferdinand, who is the brother of Manchester United legend Rio.

“We’re not in a crisis and everyone should get behind the lads because I’m sure an improvement will come.”

Ferdinand – who trained on the pitch after Saturday’s game - is also keen to help the Shrimpers recover from their shaky start.

And he feels his know-how could prove useful.

“I’ll bring some experience to the side,” said the former England under 21 international.

“I played at the highest level for 11 years in English football but I’m just the same as everybody else.

“I’m just Anton and I’m here to work hard.”

Ferdinand is also keen to sample regular first team football.

But it will take time for him to find full fitness.

“I’m here to play football because I haven’t done that much in the last three or four years,” said Ferdinand.

“I’m far from being match fit but I trained with Preston for a month in pre-season and Reading under 21s before that so it was a good level.

“But matches are completely different to training and that’s what I need now.”

Ferdinand’s debut could well come against Brighton’s under 23s in the Checkatrade Trophy tomorrow night before the Shrimpers head to table-topping Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

But Ferdinand will not be intimidated by the Trotters.

“You look forward to playing the big teams and showing what you’re about,” said the defender.

When I was at West Ham we were the last visiting team to go and win at Highbury and we were the first away team to win at the Emirates.

“They’re memories that will stay with me forever and we need to be looking at getting at least a draw with Bolton.

“We want to come back with some pride and dignity.”