SOUTHEND United’s chief executive Tom Lawrence insists he is still in talks with former Blues striker Stan Collymore.

Collymore, who is keen to become the club’s head of football operations, said on Friday the club and himself were ‘a distance apart on roles and responsibilities.’

Lawrence has now confirmed discussions are continuing but he is also fully focused on helping the club’s new look coaching team, led by Kevin Maher.

“Presently, my focus is on providing the new coaching team with support as they bed in,” said Lawrence.

“I want to ensure that they have all the tools they need to help us start winning some football matches.

“Running in parallel to the above, I have started discussions with Stan with a view to engaging him in a formal capacity.

“I am very grateful for the assistance Stan provided during the recruitment of the new coaching team, his knowledge and insight contributed to us making three exciting appointments.

“Everyone at the club wants Stan to continue to support us on the journey we have embarked on.

“The contractual negotiations between us are ongoing.

“It is important that we take our time and go through a process to get things right, that is in the best interests of Stan and the club.

“I hope to have concluded negotiations in the next week or two and I’ll provide another update once the deal is done.”