BOB Shaw is close to becoming Southend United’s new chief scout.

Shaw has previously worked with Blues boss Phil Brown at Derby County, Bolton Wanderers and Hull City.

And he now looks set to follow Brown to Roots Hall.

“Bob is someone the manager has worked closely with before and he’s keen to bring him into the football again,” said a source close to the club.

“The recruitment of new players is hugely important and that is something Bob will be playing a big part in when he arrives.”

Shaw will form part of a new-look backroom team at Blues with former Doncaster Rovers manager Dave Penney also expected to come in to work alongside Brown before the start of the new season.

Graham Coughlan, who was assistant manager to Paul Sturrock last season, has been offered a new deal to remain part of the coaching set-up at the club.

That will also include Shaw who was responsible for searching all around Europe while with Bolton and has been in the scouting business for 30 years, including a spell with Sunderland.