THE first round of interviews to find Southend United’s new manager have been completed.

The Shrimpers have met with a number of applications for the role in the past three days.

And Blues striker Stan Collymore, who is on a four man panel picking Phil Brown’s replacement at Roots Hall, has been impressed by those in contention.

“The recruitment process to find Southend United Football Club a new manager has completed primary interview stage,” said Collymore.

“I would like to thank every candidate for their time in meeting Gary Lockett, Ron Martin, Tom Lawrence and I on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“Every candidate was thoroughly prepared with presentations worthy of the candidates and of our football club.

“Professional, insightful and solutions to address the situation we currently face and beyond.”

And Collymore is being a thorough approach to his part in the proceedings.

“After each interview session which started on Wednesday 9am-5pm, Thursday till 9pm and 8:30am until 5pm today, I have written up a considerations and comments document for the three non football men on the panel,” said Collymore.

“We agreed that candidates while involved in a live process shouldn't be encouraged officially to go to Roots Hall tomorrow.

“More speculation while the team and supporters are engaged in an important FA Cup tie wouldn't be fair to the players or supporters.

“The candidates know how we feel about them, their abilities and involvement thus far so for good housekeeping and respect all round we've asked candidates to give the team the opportunity to concentrate, play and get us into the next round.”

The Shrimpers host Chertsey Town at Roots Hall tomorrow.

And Collymore is hoping for a successful afternoon.

“I have wished Demi (Jason Demetriou) the very best of luck tomorrow as I know all Shrimpers will,” said Collymore.

“Our strength is in our unity and unity is what we need so let's give these boys our energy and positivity, they need it right now.

“I've offered to go in to say hi tomorrow also, to let them know how special it is to play for Southend United and how the supporter base is waiting to light the blue touch paper to get our season underway and we all, from supporters to the ground staff to the tea lady and the many staff at the club will make our support heard and seem tomorrow.

“We are Southend United after all.”

But Collymore is also working towards ensuring there is a “Alongside a managerial recruitment process which is exactly where we want it to be, a cup tie to savour is a general recruitment process across the football department where candidates have also been sourced, interviewed where appropriate and CV's have been poured over,” said Collymore.

“A cultural change to Southend United is coming and it is universally agreed by Ron and Tom.

“A club of talents to source, scout, recruit talent for our new manager is underway, something I am particularly excited about.

“Tomorrow, bring your voices and your lungs, your love, your patience and plenty of positivity.

“Southend United are doing things correctly, in good time off the pitch, working literally 24/7 to build over several key areas. “Trust that, know that, take that to the bank.

“The boys need is tomorrow, they wear the blue I wore, who Benji and Tilly and Otto and Maher and Barrett and Best wore. “Let's inject them with the confidence to play their part in this wonderful club.”