Henrik Larsson has pulled out of talks to take the reins at managerless Southend United.
Former Celtic Striker Larsson Withdraws Interest
Search For A Manager Continues For Blues
The Essex side have been managerless for 39 days since Kevin Bond resigned on 6 September.
Bond’s time at Roots Hall came to an end after six straight defeats.
Southend United are seven points adrift of safety in Sky Bet League One.
Larsson, Johan Mjallby and Tommy Johnson were set to sign contracts on the Essex coast on Wednesday. The former Celtic trio would have led the Shrimpers.
Johnson, who would have been head of recruitment, has instead accepted an alternative offer and discussions with all three have collapsed.
Larsson had watched the Shrimpers at least twice and was understood to be one of five leading candidates.
It is understood Sol Campbell and caretaker manager Gary Waddock were also potential appointments.
A statement released by the club said: “It was critical to the club that we had an individual, as part of that threesome, who was not only well known to Henrik and Johan but completely familiar with the English leagues.
“Including all the players from not just League One but the Championship and League Two also.
“As a consequence of Tommy Johnson withdrawing, all discussions with Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjallby have, unfortunately, come to an end too.
“The club had identified other individuals in the run-up to agreeing terms with Henrik and his proposed colleagues.
“Those parties remain on our radar and we will resurrect those discussions with every intention of appointing a permanent manager as soon as practically possible.”
Southend United travel to Tranmere Rovers on Friday evening for their eighth match without a permanent manager.
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