Sol Campbell leaves Southend United by mutual consent

Southend United boss Sol Campbell has left the club by mutual consent.

The former England defender said, with the pandemic causing problems off the pitch in football, he was "keen not to be a financial burden to the club".

His backroom staff, including Hermann Hreiðarsson, Andy Cole and Tony Colbert, will also leave Roots Hall.

Campbell joined the club in October 2019 but had to wait until January 2020 for his first league win.

A difficult season was sealed when League One clubs voted to curtail the season, relegating the Shrimpers to League Two.

Campbell said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Southend United Football Club, and whilst it was a difficult time fighting relegation, I still enjoyed the experience.

“We still managed to put together positive results, whilst also giving debuts to a number of the club's talented young players. Southend have a great group of young players coming through from the academy, which was evident in our 3-1 home win against Bristol Rovers in our last game before lockdown.

“There are obviously frustrations with how the season ended abruptly, and with what points we feel could have been amassed."

Campbell thanked the fans and support staff and added that he thought the club had "an exciting future with plans for the new stadium in place".

A spokesman Southend said: “We are grateful to Sol Campbell for his contribution whilst manager. Sol arrived at a time when the team were struggling and began to make a difference just as Covid-19 interrupted the season.

“Sol’s use of the club’s young talent was a breath of fresh air who responded well to his stewardship.

“The club wishes to thank Sol and wish him, together with his management team, well for the future.”