KEVIN Bond has been named Southend United manager until the end of the season.

Bond replaces Chris Powell in charge at Blues, who are 20th in the League One standings.

A club statement read: "Following the departure of Chris Powell last Tuesday, the club’s academy manager, Ricky Duncan and under 23’s manager Kevin Maher took the reins on Saturday for the match against Shrewsbury Town, we thank them for doing so.

"Both Ricky and Kevin anticipated this interim position would be short-lived and for the need for them to return to their existing responsibilities, the board felt that more fundamental changes needed to be made.

"The club has today appointed Kevin Bond as manager for the remaining six games of the season and shall review the position at the end of the season.

"Kevin Bond worked closely with Harry Redknapp over an extended 10-year period, accumulating to over 480 games as assistant manager including long periods at Portsmouth, Tottenham and QPR.

"As such, Kevin is highly experienced and with considerable knowledge of League One; Kevin will take control of first team matters from today."

Bond's first game in charge of Blues will be at Fleetwood Town this weekend.

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