Sol Campbell was named as the new manager of Southend United on Tuesday night just before they lost 7-1 to Doncaster in their heaviest ever home defeat after having two men sent off.

Campbell arrives in the job with the League One side facing relegation and he is expected to be joined by former Portsmouth teammate Hermann Hreidarsson and ex-Manchester United striker Andy Cole as part of his coaching staff.

Ex-Celtic man, Henrik Larsson had been the favourite for the job but talks between his representatives and the club broke down last week.

Campbell has signed a two-and-a-half year deal that ties him to the club until the end of the 2021-2022 season.

The BBC’s Essex sports editor, Glenn Speller, said of the announcement, “This news makes more sense than what we were expecting last week, with the untried and unproven Larsson on the verge of joining.

“When that move broke down, Ron Martin moved quickly to resurrect talks with Campbell.

“He comes with saving Macclesfield on his CV, which will give many Blues fans hope he can repeat that feat.

“Campbell is joining a club where morale is fragile and supporter expectations are on the floor. If he can turn this one around, Southend might find themselves fighting off more suitors.”