MARK Moss insists he jumped at the chance to join Southend United as lead development coach.

The 34-year-old, who had previously been working at Nottingham Forest, will be working with the players in the under-13s to under-16s age group.

And he is thrilled to have taken up the role at Roots Hall.

“It was too good to turn down really,” said Moss.

“I came down and met the people and it all went from there really.

“The people here are great and it’s a nice environment so I’m really happy to be here.

“For me personally it’s an opportunity for me to lead a phase within an academy which is something I haven’t done before so I’m excited to have been given that chance with Southend.”

Moss has already started working with the Shrimpers’ youngsters.

And he is determined to help the club produce more good players.

“Southend have got a good reputation of bringing players through and giving young players a chance in the first team,” said Moss.

“I’m pleased to be part of that now and the better job I do then the better job Danny Heath can do next year with the scholars that come through and the better job Craig Fagan can do with the under-23s too so it bleeds through from there really.

“If your under-16s are good, the under-18s will be good and so will the under-23s, so that’s what we’re targeting.”

Blues reorganised their coaching set-up with Heath moving up to work with the older age group following Dave Huzzey’s departure.

And that led to Moss leaving Forest, where he had helped in a variety of roles.

“I was at Forest for three years and had a great time with great football,” said Moss.

“I was coaching the under-13s to the under-16s at Forest and I also dovetailed that with a role with a PMA and co-ordinating that.

“There was a lot to do but I learnt loads there.

“However, this is a chance to kick on now.”

Moss is now firmly focused on the Shrimpers and is keen to make the most of the opportunity.

“I’m the lead phase between under-13s and under-16s here now,” said Moss.

“That means I’ll be leading the day-to-day logistics of that programme.

“I’ll be talking to Ricky Duncan, Ian Hart and all the staff here about the programme and how we can develop everyone.

“I’ll be immersed in that and I’m really looking forward to it all.”