Collymore in talks with Southend

Southend have held initial discussions with former England international Stan Collymore over a return to Roots Hall as player-manager.

Collymore, who enjoyed a successful spell with the Shrimpers from November 1992 to July 1993, has been out of football after leaving Spanish side Real Oviedo two years ago.

The 33-year-old, never far from the media spotlight during his career - which included spells at Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Aston Villa - developed a reputation as a brilliant but notoriously temperamental striker.

Southend have been in the hunt for a new boss following the departure of Steve Wignall earlier this month.

Caretaker manager Dave Webb has found it tough to reverse the club's poor fortunes, with the side currently second from bottom of the Third Division.

"I don't want to say much at this moment," said deputy chairman Geoffrey King.
"We haven't made any decision regarding the management of the club, but we are in talks with Stan Collymore, although it's early days."

A source close to the player added: "Dialogue has occurred, but no decisions regarding any possible appointment have taken place."

Former Leicester captain Steve Walsh has been tipped to be Collymore's assistant if he does join the club.