Former England midfielder Kieron Dyer takes his first managerial role at National League side Southend United with a two-year contract starting in 2026.
Former Ipswich Town, Newcastle United and England midfielder Kieron Dyer has been appointed head coach of National League club Southend United.
This marks Dyer's first managerial position after long spells coaching at Ipswich Town and Chesterfield.
He departs his role as first-team coach at League Two side Chesterfield to take charge at Roots Hall.
Dyer replaces Kevin Maher, who was dismissed on 19 May, just two days after Southend's FA Trophy final victory over Wealdstone at Wembley in 2026.
Dyer, who had a life-saving liver transplant due to a rare illness in 2023, has agreed to a two-year contract at Southend United.
Speaking to the club's website, he said, 'Southend are the biggest club in the National League and deserve to be a league club - I'm really excited to get started and hopefully get this club into the Football League, where it belongs.'
He added, 'I've been a sponge absorbing all the knowledge around me and seeing how top managers have worked. There's so many ways to play this game, so to get different ideas and apply them to my philosophy can only help in the long run.'
Dyer emphasized his playing style, stating, 'We will fear no one in this league. We will try to dominate the ball and play with such a high intensity; it's one of my non-negotiables.'
Southend United released a statement explaining Dyer's selection, citing his 'coaching credentials, leadership qualities, tactical understanding, commitment to player development and alignment with the long-term vision for Southend United.'
The club added, 'His extensive experience across the English football pyramid as both a player and a coach, combined with his passion for continuous learning and improving players, made him an ideal fit.'
Dyer's contract includes an option for a third year, with the rest of his backroom team to be announced later.
He will collaborate with director of football Oliver Gage, appointed in April, and new head of recruitment Jonathan Duckett.
What stood out throughout the process was his clarity of thought, said Oliver Gage.
He continued, 'He combines elite playing experience with strong coaching credentials and a genuine desire to keep learning and improving.'
Gage added, 'He knows what promotion from the National League looks like, understands the level, understands the area and is passionate about developing players and improving standards every day.'
Kieron Dyer began his career with Ipswich Town, making his senior debut in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Boxing Day in 1996.
He made 117 appearances for Ipswich, scoring 14 goals, before joining Newcastle United for £6.5 million in 1999.
Dyer earned his England debut that same year and later played at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, winning 33 caps overall.
After eight years at Newcastle, including a notable on-pitch altercation with teammate Lee Bowyer in 2005, he moved to West Ham United and later played for Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough before retiring in 2013.
Dyer returned to Ipswich as an academy coach in 2014 and held various roles before resigning as Under-23s boss in March 2022.
Away from football, he published an autobiography in 2018 and appeared on reality TV shows including 'I'm A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here' and 'Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.'
He joined Chesterfield in the summer of 2023 and underwent a liver transplant later that year after being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2019.
He returned to work under manager Paul Cook and helped Chesterfield regain their place in the English Football League by winning the National League title in 2024.
Kieron Dyer arrives at Roots Hall with extensive top-level experience and a solid coaching track record.
Following over 200 Premier League appearances and 33 England caps as a player, he transitioned directly into coaching after retiring in 2013.
He progressed through roles at Ipswich Town, moving from the Under-18s to the senior squad under Paul Cook, and followed Cook to Chesterfield in 2023.
Dyer has learned from top managers, including shadowing now-Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany for three months during his time at Anderlecht and Manchester United boss Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough.
His experience under Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle United also shaped his approach.
A club insider noted during interviews that Dyer came across as 'obsessed with the game' in a positive manner.
Dyer faces a significant challenge this summer with a current squad of 12 players, three of whom are in contract negotiations.