Henrik Larsson is in 'pole position' to be named manager of Southend United, a report from The Southend Echo has claimed.

It had recently been reported that Larsson, along with Dirk Kuyt and Dennis Bergkamp, were part of a consortium that had been lining up a takeover Southend's League One rivals Wycombe Wanderers.

According to the latest reports however, it looks as though Larsson is now destined to for the manager's dugout at Roots Hall, with former Liverpool striker Kuyt set to follow him there as his assistant, while former Celtic forward Tommy Johnson is also expected to be part of the coaching team.

Larsson has already attended two Southend games this season, and is now said to be the strong favourite to become the club's next boss.

The Blues have been without a manager since Kevin Bond left the club in early September, with Gary Waddock having taken interim charge of the club since then.

In a statement released by the club earlier this week, chairman Ron Martin claimed that the club are close to announcing Bond's replacement at Roots Hall.

It has been a dismal start to the season for Southend, who have taken just one win and one draw from their opening 12 league games of the season, leaving them 22nd in the third tier standings.

The Verdict

This will be absolutely fascinating if it does happen.

The profile of the likes of Larsson of Kuyt means there will be a huge amount of scrutiny on any appointment here, which could be either a good or bad thing depending on how results go on the pitch.

With all of Larsson's previous management experience having come in his native Sweden, there may well be some concern over how he copes with stepping into a role in League One football, especially with a side that are struggling significantly this season.

That however, does mean that the club look to need something of a lift right now, and the arrival of someone with the profile of Larsson and Kuyt could certainly give them that.

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