Sol Campbell quits as Southend boss and leaves with Andy Cole after relegation from League One
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SOL CAMPBELL has quit as boss of Southend United after the side's relegation from League One.
Campbell along with his backroom staff - which includes former Manchester United striker Andy Cole - have departed the club.
Campbell arrived at the side in October 2019 but has left by mutual consent after just eight months at the helm.
The club's descent into League Two was confirmed earlier this month when sides voted to curtail the season and decide promotion and relegation on a points-per-game basis.
Alongside Cole, former Charlton ace Hermann Hreidarsson and Tony Colbert are the other members of Campbell's team following him out the door.
Campbell finds himself without a club for next season after a previous spell at Macclesfield Town.
Club statement
A spokesman for Southend said: "We are grateful to Sol Campbell for his contribution whilst manager.
"Sol arrived at a time when the team were struggling and began to make a difference just as Covid-19 interrupted the season.
“Sol’s use of the club’s young talent was a breath of fresh air who responded well to his stewardship.
“The club wishes to thank Sol and wish him, together with his management team, well for the future.”
Sol speaks on exit
In comments posted on the club's website, Campbell thanked fans for their support and wished his former employers as he expressed his desire to not financially burden the club.
He said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Southend United Football Club, and whilst it was a difficult time fighting relegation, I still enjoyed the experience.
"We still managed to put together positive results, whilst also giving debuts to a number of the club's talented young players.
"Southend have a great group of young players coming through from the academy, which was evident in our 3-1 home win against Bristol Rovers in our last game before lockdown."
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The Arsenal legend revealed his frustration at the way things had panned out - he added: "There are obviously frustrations with how the season ended abruptly, and with what points we feel could have been amassed.
"However, the club have an exciting future with the plans for the new stadium in place, but with the current global Covid situation having a profound effect on businesses, I am keen not to be a financial burden to the club.
“I also want to thank the fans for their support throughout my time at Southend and wish the club and all the support staff the very best for the future."