Larsson set to take Southend manager job – good for the former Hoops man

Celtic legend Henrik Larsson and former Liverpool star Dirk Kuyt are expected to shortly take over at Southend as the club’s new management team.

There have been plenty of reports over the past few weeks concerning Larsson’s involvement in the League One club, with the Swede having been spotted in attendance at two of their recent games.

The Southend Echo had reported that Larsson was in pole position to take over, while they speculated that Kuyt could also be involved, as well as former Celtic forward Tommy Johnson.

Now journalist Pete O’Rourke has confirmed on Twitter that both Larsson and Kuyt are close to officially joining the Shrimpers.

If the duo do commit their futures to Southend, it will be the first time Larsson has worked in British football since leaving Manchester United in 2007 after a short loan spell.

Before that, he departed the Hoops in 2004, after seven years in Glasgow.

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It is great to see Larsson back working in Britain, and hopefully he can impress with Southend.

It is tough for a former player to start in the lower leagues of English football, because football is cutthroat and a results business with no room for sentimentality.

That being said, it has worked out for some, so hopefully the former Hoop can do himself proud.