A newly promoted National League boss chooses to become the new manager of Southend United following lengthy speculation.
The Shrimpers have been without a manager since July 2020 when Sol Campbell chose to resign, after the club had relegation from League One to League Two confirmed.
Many managers since then have been linked with taking over at Roots Hall, but it would take a big job if they want to get promotion back to the third tier of English football.
Also within that time, Weymouth have gone on to contest in the National League South playoffs following a third place finish in a table based on points-per-game, then beat favourites Havant & Waterlooville to make the final, which the Terras also won 3-0 on penalties after a 0-0 draw played out in normal time.
Former footballer turned manager Mark Molesley has only impressed since being appointed at the Dorset outfit back in 2017, getting them back-to-back promotions, something that is a rare sight at that level these days.
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Molesley, who is the current Weymouth and Bournemouth U23’s assistant manager, has agreed to take the job.
He has appeared at the English Football League outfit’s training ground on Tursday morning, meeting staff and players.
Former Bournemouth boss Harry Redknapp believed Weymouth manager Mark Molesley would be a “good fit” for the vacancy at Southend.
“I spoke to Ron about Mark,” Redknapp told the Southend Echo.
“I’ve followed Weymouth and seen he’s done a great job there.
“He worked with Eddie Howe at Bournemouth training the under-21s all week and then took Weymouth in the evenings and at the weekend too.
“I know Eddie absolutely loved him and said he’s very good so I really do think he’s someone with a very bright future in the game.”
“He would be a good fit for Southend,” said Redknapp.
“He’s hungry and he works his socks off.
“There’s not enough hours in the day for him and he wants to get to the top.
“If it didn’t work out for him then it certainly wouldn’t be because of a lack of effort.”
Former assistant to Redknapp, Kevin Bond, left Southend in September and the former Pompey boss believes it will be tough for anyone who chooses to takeover.
He said: “It’s a tough job for anyone but Mark is young and hungry.
“He wants to do the job and he knows non-league.
“He has big ties at Bournemouth too and I’m sure he could pull some strings to get one or two players from there.
“I really wish him well with whatever he does next.”
Weymoyth and Bournemouth defender Brennan Camp has hailed the “incredible” feats of Molesley, telling Echosport: “I don’t think anyone can say he doesn’t deserve it.
“What he’s done at Weymouth over the past few years has been incredible – and what he’s done at Bournemouth as well.
“I’ve been working with him every day for the past two or three years now and me and Mark have got quite a good relationship. I know how much he deserves it.
“Weymouth will miss him – and so will Bournemouth – if he does go to Southend.
“It’s definitely what he deserves and hopefully he’ll do well there if he does end up going.”
Camp recognised that Weymouth fans are desperate for Molesley to stay and see what he can achieve with the Terras in non-league’s top flight.
“I’m from the local area and it would be good to have him at Weymouth because of the job he’s done,” Camp admitted.
“He’s got back-to-back promotions and the Weymouth fans want him to stay and see what he can do in the National League.
“A lot of fans are optimistic that if he does stay then maybe Weymouth could challenge again and go into the Football League, or even an achievement in itself, just stay up next year.
“That’s down to him and what he feels is best for him and his family. We’ll have to see what happens.
“He’s knows what’s best. He’s been a manager for a couple of years now so I’m sure he’ll make the best decision when it comes to it.”
Fans reacted on the news that the newly promoted National League boss Mike Molesley chooses to become new Southend manager…
Southend chairman Ron Martin is currently busy rummaging around Roots Hall in search of a working biro and lined paper in order to write up a contract for incoming manager Mark Molesley pic.twitter.com/Nmzu7k14ZA
— ShrimpersTalk.co.uk ?⚽️ (@ShrimpersTalk) August 13, 2020
Ron showing off his Field of Dreams, one day, maybe soon, there is going to be a stadium built here
— Stuart Field (@sfield34) August 13, 2020
— Simon Dodd (@Simon_Dodd) August 13, 2020
At least the sun is shining – hopefully the end of a long running saga
— Trevor Paterson (@trevor_tricky) August 13, 2020
Will be a real kick in the balls if he says no now!
— andy haynes (@hund85) August 13, 2020
Get that corner flag picture ready.
— Graham Richardson (@secondalibi74) August 13, 2020
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