Former Southend United striker Stan Collymore has expressed his disappointment at being discarded for the vacant Roots Hall hot-seat.
Collymore had been hotly-tipped by many to take over from Steve Wignall until Shrimpers director Ron Martin announced yesterday that Oxford United manager Ian Atkins was the club's first choice.
"I felt that I had put forward an attractive proposal to the club, in which an experienced first team coach, and assistant manager, would have provided support," said the 32-year-old.
"This also included the provision of playing in the medium term, after an initial period of creating a working structure for the team, and ensuring stability on and off the pitch."
Collymore was keen to bring in former Leicester City team-mate Steve Walsh as his number two. And he planned to get a coach in to work with the players at Roots Hall.
News that Collymore was one of the favourites for the job was welcomed by Blues fans.
But, despite his snub from the Shrimpers, Collymore wished the struggling Seasiders every success for the future.
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Published Tuesday November 25, 2003
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