DAMIAN Matthew and Kevin Keen are relishing being reunited with Southend United manager Chris Powell at Roots Hall.

The duo have both been named assistant managers with the Shrimpers.

And Matthew, who previously worked with Powell at Charlton Athletic, is pleased to have taken up his new role.

“Once Chris got the job, he made the phone call and I was delighted,” said Matthew.

“I had a fantastic time with Chris at Charlton and it’s good to be working with him again.

“I was the youth team coach at Charlton when he played there.

“He went off but we would speak many times about his coaching pathway and what he wanted to do.

“We took over in 2011 and had a good three or four years there until the new ownership brought a change of plans, but I’m looking forward to this challenge now.”

Matthew was first team coach at Welling United following his departure from Charlton before he took up a scouting role with Everton, which he had held for the past 15 months.

“I was looking in between the 17 to 21 age range in that role and I got to see a lot of good young players,” said Matthew.

“Hopefully we might be able to utilise those contacts in the years to come and I’m very happy to be back coaching because nothing can beat being out there with the players.”

Matthew will also be working alongside Keen at Blues and the former West Ham United midfielder is also pleased to be at the club.

“I had just finished in India and the timing was perfect for me,” said Keen, 50.

“I was out there with Teddy Sheringham in Calcutta and it was completely different.

“I have been in football a long time and I thought why not give it a go.

“It was an amazing experience and the football was completely different.

“I was there four months and it was interesting.”

But Keen is now happy to be at Roots Hall alongside Powell, who he first got to know when at West Ham.

“I coached Chris as a player at the end of his career at West Ham and to come and work with him was a big attraction for me,” he said.

“When you look at the squad, I feel it’s better than the position we’re in so there’s big room for improvement and the chairman has big plans for the club.

“I know Chris quite well and it’s fantastic to be here. It’s a good opportunity.”