Southend appoint Duckett as head of recruitment

Southend head coach Kevin Maher in a black t-shirt gives a thumbs up to supportersGetty Images

Southend sacked head coach Kevin Maher on Monday after nearly five years in charge

Southend United have named Jonathan Duckett as their new head of recruitment just 24 hours after the National League club sacked head coach Kevin Maher.

Duckett arrives at Roots Hall having spent two years in a similar role at the Blues' county rivals, Colchester United.

He has also previously had roles in recruitment and technical scouting with Norwich City and the Football Association.

Southend sacked Maher despite the club reaching the National League play-offs and winning the FA Trophy at Wembley on Sunday.

"Jon has operated at a very high level across recruitment, scouting and player identification for many years, and his recent experience leading recruitment within League Two was particularly important to us," Southend's director of football Oliver Gage told the club website.