DAVE Huzzey is set to leave Southend United for a coaching role at Colchester United.

Huzzey has been working with the Shrimpers' youth players for the past nine years.

And Blues' head of academy Ricky Duncan is sad to see Huzzey leave. 

"Dave has come all the way through as a 19-year-old that I spotted and I knew had the potential to go on and be the coach that he’s become," saud Duncan. 

"He’s worked hard and been an absolute credit to the football club in the time that he’s been here and it’s disappointing to lose him but I understand he’s getting to an age that he wants to try something new.

"The opportunity has come up at Colchester and we had a long chat but I could see that he needed another challenge and that’s why he’s leaving us.

"He said to me that Southend is his club but deep down he wants a new challenge and he wants to experience a different type of role."

Huzzey will be academy manager at Colchester but has left his mark at Roots Hall

"Dave's worked with Elvis [Bwomono], he’s worked with Charlie [Kelman] and others that have been developed by us over the nine years," said Duncan.

"We offered him the under 23 role which he’s been doing since Kevin Maher left, but Colchester came come along and offered him a position that is an academy manager in itself, incorporating the role as under 23 coach and it was something he wanted to take.

"It would’ve had to been something like that for him to leave and I think incorporating the two it’s something he wanted to try.”

Huzzey is excited by his new role but it also sad to be leaving the Shrimpers. 

"I've massively enjoyed my time at Southend and it's quite emotional really because I've been here for nine years," said Huzzey.

"From a 19-year-old working part-time in the academy to today working with the under 23s in the Premier League Cup and managing them to a win.

"It's been a rollercoaster of emotions, I know it's a cliche but it has, but mostly good ones.

"Last year was a massive moment, winning the league with the players we had not available due to being in the first team.

"Seeing players go into the first team and the success we've had is what it's all about.

"I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the club because they've been so helpful and really put me on my way."