KEVIN Bond has held talks with chairman Ron Martin about extending his spell in charge of Southend United.

The 61-year-old former Bournemouth boss led the Shrimpers to safety at the end of last season, with a final day victory against Sunderland keeping his side in League One.

However, Blues are now keen to build on survival and make sure the next campaign is far more successful and Bond now seems odds on favourite to stay put.

Darrell Clarke, who had been keen on the Blues job, has now been appointed by Walsall while Paul Hurst, another to be linked with the role at Roots Hall, seems set for Scunthorpe United.

Echosport also understands no contact has been made with Adam Barrett.