Rob Newman is expected to be officially named as Southend United's new manager this week.

The 37-year-old has taken control of the Roots Hall reins for the past two weeks, following David Webb's decision to quit the Shrimpers.

And Blues owner Ron Martin should reward Newman with his first managerial post before the weekend.

Martin would not confirm Newman's imminent appointment, but he is believed to be discussing personal terms with the former Norwich City defender this morning (Monday). Find out more about Southend United FC Martin's first choice had been Peter Taylor, who he wanted to work alongside Newman, but the ex-Blues and England under-21 boss opted to join Second Division Brighton last week.

And when pressed about Newman's expected move into the Roots Hall hot-seat, Martin said: "The Southend board have given careful consideration to the managerial position after missing out on Peter Taylor.

"Rob Newman is the front-runner for the vacancy and will be the prime mover in the overhaul of the managerial structure at Roots Hall.

"A new manager will be announced this week and if it doesn't happen ahead of tomorrow night's match at Scunthorpe then it will definitely be confirmed before the weekend."

Blues' board were believed to be cautious about taking the plunge with Newman because of his inexperience as a manager, which has had disastrous consequences at Southend in the past.

But Martin has been impressed with the Shrimpers' improvement under Newman, who has been on the coaching staff at Roots Hall for 15 months, since he took on the caretaker boss role.

Blues won their first two games under the veteran defender against Swansea City and Stevenage Borough, scoring eight goals in the process, before losing narrowly 2-1 at York City on Saturday.

And Martin has seen enough to make overwhelming fans' choice Newman - who has made 61 League appearances for the Seasiders, scoring nine times - Southend's 30th manager.

It is also believed that Newman would want popular former Blues star Steve Tilson, who is currently playing for Ryman Premier Division leaders Canvey Island, as his number two.

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