SOUTHEND United manager Kevin Bond will not be adding to his backroom team.

Bond worked alongside Kevin Keen, who was kept on following the departure of Chris Powell, and Damian Matthew for the final six games of last season.

And, following his appointment on a permanent basis, Bond will continue to work in the same set-up at Roots Hall.

“My backroom team is my backroom team, which I’m very happy with,” said Bond, who signed a two-year deal with Blues.

“Kevin (Keen) is with us, Lee (Harrison) is with us and all of the support staff are too.

“I’ve got no real reason to want to bring about changes.

“I know Kevin and he’s worked at some top clubs with top people and has great experience.

“He’s good on the grass and he’s well liked and respected by the players.”

Keen was brought in by previous Shrimpers boss Powell before the start of last season.

And Bond is pleased to have the former Liverpool, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion coach on board.

“Kevin knows his stuff and has an opinion which is hugely important,” said Bond.

“You can have people around you who will just say yes to everything you say but that’s no good.

“You need people who will challenge you and Kev does that.

“He’s not a difficult person to get on with either and I know Lee has done a good job with the goalkeepers too.”

However, Bond is keen to bring the best out of everyone around him.

“We’re going to have to challenge ourselves as staff to be as good as we can be this year and challenge the players to do the same,” said Bond, who led the Shrimpers to safety last term.

“That will be my message to them and we need to be at our best every day.”