Former England midfielder Kieron Dyer has been appointed head coach of National League side Southend United, marking his first managerial position at age 47. The ex-Ipswich and Newcastle player leaves his role as first-team coach at Chesterfield to replace Kevin Maher, who departed in May after the club's FA Trophy victory at Wembley.

Dyer brings coaching experience from spells under Paul Cook at both Ipswich and Chesterfield, where he helped win the National League title in 2024. His playing career featured 33 England caps and a £6.5m move to Newcastle in 1999. Despite undergoing a life-saving liver transplant in 2023 following a chronic condition diagnosis, he continued coaching and returns to work with a two-year deal at Roots Hall.

Southend finished in the play-offs for the past two seasons under Maher, reaching the final in 2023 before losing to Oldham Athletic. The club statement highlighted Dyer's 'coaching credentials, leadership qualities and tactical understanding' as key factors in his appointment.

Director of football Oliver Gage praised Dyer's 'clarity of thought' and obsession with football. With only 12 players currently under contract and three in negotiations, Dyer faces immediate squad rebuilding challenges while targeting National League promotion.