IAN Hendon has been offered the role of first team coach at Southend United, Echosport understands.

The 49-year-old made more than 700 appearances as a player and now also has plenty of experience behind him in the dug-out.

Hendon has had more than 100 games as a manager after spells in charge of both Barnet and Leyton Orient and spent four years as first team coach at West Ham United.

He has also bossed Dover in non-league and was assistant manager at Ebbsfleet United before taking charge of Europa Point in Gilbraltar.

However, Hendon – who holds a UEFA pro licence - has now been offered the chance to come to Roots Hall as part of Phil Brown’s backroom team.