'This could be some ride' says Southend boss Dyer

Southend United head coach Kieron Dyer says he is embracing the responsibility that management brings after leading his side to three wins from his first three games in charge.

The Shrimpers recruited 10 new players over the summer and currently sit top of an embryonic National League table having picked up maximum points.

Dyer, who was appointed as the club's head coach in June, is in his first managerial role after spells coaching at Ipswich Town and Chesterfield.

"The responsibility you have of the team, the club, the office staff. I feel that I have to represent them right," Dyer told BBC Essex.

"It's a big club. When you're taking that on your shoulders it is a mental slog. When you're going to sleep at 9:30 in the evening you know that it's taken its toll.

"But I wouldn't want it any other way. I'm enjoying the responsibility. So let the slog begin."

Amid huge financial problems, Southend have been out of the football league for five years. Their second successive relegation in 2020-21 saw them drop out of the top four divisions for the first time in 101 years.

They came close to a return in June 2025 when the Shrimpers twice led but eventually lost the National League play-off final to Oldham 3-2 after extra-time.

Last season, Southend finished sixth and lost in the play-off semi-finals to Scunthorpe United.

Despite club legend Kevin Maher guiding Southend to FA Trophy success on their return to Wembley in May - the club's first ever domestic trophy - he was dismissed after almost five years in charge following an end of season review conducted by the board.

That opened the door for former Ipswich, Newcastle and England midfielder Dyer, and he admits there were a few self doubts before the start of the season.

"When I was a first-team coach at Ipswich and Chesterfield, I always thought I was a very emotional coach and I used to think that was a weakness," Dyer said.

"And it can be a weakness at times but it can also be a strength. I've just got a level of maturity.

"I didn't know I was ready. It was [Chesterfield boss] Paul Cook who told me I was ready. Two, three years ago I didn't have the maturity to take on the responsibility of looking after players.

"That's just the growth of me as a human being. Let's see where it takes me."

Despite there being another 43 matches still to go in the league, Dyer already has his eyes firmly set on the ultimate goal - promotion.

He added: "When I took the job, I said its the biggest club in the National League. It seems only yesterday Southend were in the Championship.

"I feel this club belongs in the EFL and its my job to get them there. Big club, big fan base. To get over 8,000 fans in the first home match was such a lift for the players.

"If we can get them on board early, this could be some ride."