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Updated: Harman leaves Southend
KEVIN Harman has left Southend Rugby Club to take up a coaching position with Premiership giants London Wasps.
The 39-year-old, from Leigh, worked wonders during eight seasons at Warners Bridge, leading the club into National League Two for the first time ever last summer.
But he has now opted to depart and will be replaced in the Seasiders hot-seat by current backs coach Ben Green.
"There weren't many clubs I would have left Southend for but this is just a fantastic opportunity for me," explained Harman who will start working with Wasps from June.
"I'm going to be part of the staff with the likes of Ian McGeechan and Shaun Edwards which is going to be amazing and it's obviously something I'm excited about."
Harman will be first team manager at Wasps and the role will see him deal with contract negotiations and the welfare of the players.
He will therefore be dealing with a whole host of England internationals including captain Phil Vickery, plus Danny Cipriani, Paul Sackey, Simon Shaw and Joe Worsley.
But he is still saddened at leaving Southend but will still help the team in a player development capacity.
"I will always help out the club when I can and if there are players at Wasps who are looking to get out on loan I will send them Southend's way," he confirmed.
"The club has been a huge part of my life for eight years and, although it's been a real roller coaster ride, it's been an excellent time for me.
"We achieved so much and I had the support there of some great players and staff who I will miss very much."
Harman is confident that Southend can continue to impress and is sure Green, who was captain of the team when they won National League Three South, is the man to follow in his footsteps.
"I had recommended that it was Ben who got the job and I'm pleased they have given him the chance to show what he can do," said Harman.
"He's been looking after the backs for the past season and it was clear right from the start that he was going to be an excellent coach and I'm sure he would do a good job for Southend."
Current captain Andrew McClintock echoed those sentiments and was full of praise for Harman's amazing record.
"When I first came over from New Zealand in 2000 Southend were in London Three North East and in short space of time Kev took us into National League Two which was fantastic," said McClintock.
"He didn't have the biggest budget either which made it even more remarkable and what he has done for Southend is amazing.
"It's going to be strange without him because he's become part of the furniture around here but it's a dream job and we wish him all the best with it."
Chairman Neil Harding also paid tribute to Harman but is sure Green can continue his good work."I am extremely pleased that Ben has accepted our offer to become Director of Rugby at Southend," he said.
"He is extremely capable and we expect a smooth transition from Kevin's departure to the beginning of our training programmes next month."
1:37pm Tuesday 6th May 2008
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