Ex-Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore set for shock non-league job

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore is set for his first backroom role since retiring 20 years ago.

At the age of 51, Collymore is poised to be appointed Southend United's head of football operations.

What's been said

Speaking to Shrimpers supporters via Zoom, Collymore confirmed he will join the crisis club.

Southend have suffered back-to-back relegations to drop into the National League and are currently facing the drop for a third successive season. They sit in the relegation zone with just eight points from 10 games.

Collymore, who scored 15 goals between 1992-93 at the Essex-based outfit, will now offer a helping hand to his former club.

Quoted by the Southend Echo, he said: “The situation is very clear, I’m going to Roots Hall tomorrow and meeting (chief executive) Tom Lawrence.

“I had a phone call with Tom and Ron (Martin, chairman) before this call and we’re sitting down with a view to discussing a role at the club.

“I gave a working title of head of football operations because it covers everything from supporter engagement, club building, recruitment, scouting and supporting the coaches.”

Background

Collymore joined Liverpool from Nottingham Forest for £8.5 million in 1995 - setting an English transfer record at the time.

In total, he scored 35 goals in 81 games, helping the Reds reach the FA Cup final in his first season and clinch a third-place finish in the Premier League.

He left in the summer of 1997 to join boyhood club Aston Villa in 1997 for £7 million.

Collymore had spells at spells at Fulham, Leicester and Bradford before retiring in 2001 after making three outings for Spanish side Real Oviedo.