SOUTHEND United’s new assistant manager Dave Penney is bidding for more happy memories at Roots Hall.

The 48-year-old has been brought in to work alongside boss Phil Brown at Blues and scored for Derby County, Doncaster Rovers and Oxford United at his new base during his playing days.

But he now wants success for the Shrimpers, rather than against them.

“I have many happy memories from playing in Southend and hopefully I can have a few more with them now,” said Penney.

“I scored at Roots Hall for Derby County on the day my son was born, which obviously remains a very special day for me.

“I also scored for Doncaster when we upset Southend in the FA Cup and got one for Oxford here as well, but we lost 6-1 that day so it wasn’t quite so memorable!”

Penney went into management after hanging up his boots and guided Doncaster Rovers to two successive promotions.

Spells in charge of Darlington, Oldham and Bristol Rovers soon followed.

But he had been out of the game since 2011 and has no problems coming back into football as an assistant boss.

“I enjoyed my time away from football but I’m very happy to be back,” said Penney.

“I’m looking forward to being an assistant manager as you don’t have to deal with the chairman or the media.

“I’m here to help Phil and the football club and he knows that I’m certainly not coming in to try to get his job.”

Penney was due to work with Brown in South Africa earlier in the year, but eventually travelled alone as Brown instead opted to take up the managerial position at Blues.

Since then, Penney has done scouting work for the former Hull City boss.

And he is now relishing working alongside him for the first time.

“Phil has managed in the Premier League and the Championship, so I’m certain I will be learning a lot from him.

“I know this division well and I won with it Doncaster, so I know what it takes.

“And it’s great to be working with Graham Coughlan,” added Penney. “I tried to sign him when I was with Darlington but he turned the move down.

“He’s a passionate, enthusiastic character though and I think we make a good team.”

Penney now wants to also be able to say the same about the Shrimpers’ starting line-up.

But he knows recruitment this summer will be key.

“A lot of last season’s team have left and we’re looking at having to bring in 10 or 12 new players,” said Penney.

“It’s important we get that right and the target is to get off to a good start, just like this club has had in the past two seasons.

“But then we want to be able to keep it going this time.