SOUTHEND have appointed Cherries coach Mark Molesley as their new manager.

Molesley, who last season was working both as Cherries under-21s assistant manager and also boss of non-league Weymouth, has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the Shrimpers.

He replaces Sol Campbell, who left the club by mutual consent in June following the club's relegation from League One.

Molesley has enjoyed a stunning start to management, securing back-to-back promotions with Weymouth, taking the Terras back into the National League.

The 39-year-old will be joined at Roots Hall by coach Tom Prodomo. The Dorset Echo has reported two analysts Molesley worked with at Cherries will also be making the move to Essex.

“It’s a really exciting time for me and my assistant manager coming in," said Molesley.

"It’s a great day for us but it’s also a little bittersweet because I’m leaving two fantastic clubs as well, in Bournemouth and Weymouth.

“But we’re really excited by this challenge at this great football club so I’m proud to be standing here and excited by the challenge.

“After speaking with the chairman I can see he shares the same vision and work ethic to take this club onwards and upwards.

“We’ve got to open up some cracks, open up the wounds a little bit and have a look because we really want to build some strong foundations to take the club onwards and upwards.”

Molesley more than 50 appearances for Cherries before moving into coaching, playing his part in the 'Greatest Escape' season in 2008-09 and promotion the following year, before departing in 2013.