Henrik Larsson’s move to become Southend manager dramatically breaks down ‘at the last minute’
HENRIK LARSSON will not become Southend United's new manager after talks broke down "at the last minute".
Speculation had been surrounding the Swedish legend taking over for a long time, with the ex Celtic striker having been pictured in the stands at Shrimpers matches.
Over the past week the club had been in talks with Larsson, Johan Mjallby and Tommy Johnson to be appointed manager, assistant manager and head of recruitment, respectively.
Sportbladet claim that Johnson pulled out at the last minute to take another job.
This shift caused the Larsson, 48, to reconsider.
He told the Swedish newspaper: "I was ready to sit down on a plane, fly over and sign on. Everything was basically clear.
"Johnson felt important because he knows this league.
"Of course it's sad. At the same time, I know how this business works. Nothing is done until everything is signed."
Although he has no other offers from England, Larsson is not interested in taking another job in Sweden.
He said: "No, I'm not interested in that. Feels like I'm done with Sweden. It is abroad or nothing at all."
Larsson has previously managed Landskrona BolS, Falkenberg and Helsingborg.
Despite having kept the Shrimpers up last season, Harry Redknapp's former assistant Kevin Bond resigned on September 6 following a run of six consecutive defeats to start the campaign.
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The Roots Hall side have won just once in the league since and sit second bottom of League One with just four points.
Club chiefs had selected Larsson to take over and thought they'd got their man after lengthy negotiations.
But now they appear to be back at square one.