STAN Collymore is set to be named head of football operations at Southend United.

The former Shrimpers striker was part of a four man panel to pick Kevin Maher as the club’s new head coach.

And Collymore is now close to sealing his own Roots Hall return.

“The situation is very clear, I’m going to Roots Hall tomorrow and meeting Tom Lawrence,” said Collymore on this evening’s Zoom call with supporters.

“I had a phone call with Tom and Ron (Martin) before this call and we’re sitting down with a view to discussing a role at the club.

“I gave a working title of head of football operations because it covers everything from supporter engagement, club building, recruitment, scouting and supporting the coaches.”

However, Collymore sought the approval of supporters before putting himself forward for the role.

“I asked all the supporter groups a week or so ago if I had their support if there was a role offered to me at Southend United and it was very nice and humbling they all said yes,” explained the 50-year-old.

“Because of the manager being sacked and because there’s 35 games left and had an important cup tie, I said to Tom to park my situation until the main men are on board but I’ll be at Roots Hall tomorrow.”

And Blues’ chief executive Tom Lawrence also confirmed Collymore was close to agreeing a contract.

“We’ve gone backwards and forwards with Stan’s representative,” said Lawrence.

“We’ve got a working agreement in process which were looking to finalise tomorrow.

“Stan has been a great asset and a great help.

“We’re looking to formalise that agreement tomorrow.”

Collymore scored 18 goals in 33 games during a stunning spell with the Shrimpers during the 1992/93 season.

The striker went on to play for Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Aston Villa and won three caps for England.

Following tonight's Zoom call Collymore also took to social media to express his delight at coming back to Blues.

He tweeted: "Tomorrow I'll rejoin the club that believed in me when others didn't, that felt like a family rather than an industry and sent coach loads of supporters to my England debut despite having moved on.

"If nobody believes you can, then you have to. And I will."