Kevin Bond: Southend United confirm Harry Redknapp's former number two as manager

Kevin Bond has worked for 18 different clubs as player, manager or backroom staff member

Kevin Bond has signed a two-year contract as Southend manager after helping the club remain in League One.

The Essex club replaced Chris Powell with Bond, 61, in April, and survived thanks to an 87th-minute goal in their final match of the season.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the last few weeks of the season, although it was a pretty tense experience," he said.

"I can't wait to get started on planning for what we all hope is a bright future for Southend United."

Former Bournemouth manager Bond has been a long-time colleague of Harry Redknapp, working under him at Portsmouth, Southampton, Spurs and QPR.

Redknapp was a former team-mate of Bond's father, John, in his early days at West Ham United.

After Southend sacked Powell with seven games of the season left, Bond came in to take charge for the last six.

The Shrimpers won two of their final three games to stay up, only securing their place in League One with a dramatic final-day victory over Sunderland.

They have been in League One since 2015, when then manager Phil Brown led them up to promotion from League Two via the play-offs.

Kevin Bond worked under Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth, Southampton, Spurs & QPR

Analysis

BBC Essex sports editor Glenn Speller

Having got the Blues over the line with eight points from a possible 18, it is not a big surprise Kevin Bond has signed to stay at Roots Hall.

He proved to be a steady hand at the tiller and but for some 'interesting' refereeing decisions, Southend would have been safe long before the final day win over Sunderland.

Bond comes across as a cool customer and not one for showing his emotions too much on the touchline.

It's only his second job as number one, but he comes with his long association with Harry Redknapp, a successful coaching career and good contacts.

A rebuilding job is required and a few tough decisions will no doubt be made regarding the futures of some players.

Eight senior players leave Southend

Meanwhile, ex-Sunderland centre-back Michael Turner is one of eight senior players who will leave Southend when their contracts expire this summer.

Ben Coker, Amadou Ba, Josh Bexon, Norman Wabo, Renei Batlokwa, Stephen Hendrie and Ted Smith are also leaving.

BBC Essex reports that left-back Coker is expected to join League Two champions Lincoln City.

Defender John White has been offered a new deal.