'Competitive budget will help fuel Southend promotion'

Kieron Dyer said securing Southend United's return to the English Football League was the aim in his debut season as head coach.

Speaking at his first press conference earlier, Dyer said he was not afraid of putting pressure on himself and outlined his vision to win the National League.

The former England, Newcastle United and Ipswich Town midfielder was appointed as head coach on Monday, replacing Kevin Maher, who was sacked in May.

The Shrimpers have been in the fifth tier since 2021, and their latest quest for promotion ended in play-off defeat.

"I'm looking for promotion - We want to win the league," Dyer told BBC Essex Sport.

"I've said I expect promotion; [the board] have said they're going to give me a competitive budget to try and get a promotion and get this team up.

"I'm going for it in the first season, and that's the pressure I want to put on myself."

The 47-year-old is entering his first managerial role, having spent long spells coaching with both Ipswich and Chesterfield.

He signed a two-year deal at Roots Hall, describing the club as "the biggest" in the National League.

Some of the new policies Dyer wants to implement include a bonus system focused on the team rather than individuals, such as for clean sheets and set-piece goals.

"A team beats individuals every day of the week," said Dyer, whose playing career featured more than 200 Premier League appearances and 33 England caps.

He arrives at a time when Southend only have nine players under contract. Among those who have left include captain Nathan Ralph and goalscoring wing-back Gus Scott-Morriss.

Dyer said his first few days have involved "a lot of meetings, a lot of Zoom calls with certain players".

He was also getting used to being called "gaffer", adding: "I've been using that term since I was probably 10... It just seems really weird, but I'll get used to it.

"It's been a whirlwind few days, but [I am] really enjoying it. No more holidays now, I'm working properly."

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