Southend United remain in the hunt for a new permanent manager to replace Kevin Bond.
Gary Waddock is currently in caretaker charge at Roots Hall and is now the bookies favourite for the job on SkyBet.
Their former defender Adam Barrett, who is currently the first team development coach at Millwall, comes in at second in the running along with Phil Parkinson. Former Premier League defender Steven Reid then appears at 8/1.
Reid, who is 38 years-old, had a lengthy playing career and racked up just under 400 appearances and 23 caps for the Republic of Ireland. He had spells with the likes of Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, QPR, West Brom and Burnley before retiring in May 2015.
The former right-back is now earning a reputation as being a bright young coach and was appointed Reading’s first team coach in July 2015, a post in which he held for two years.
Reid then moved to the same role but at top flight side Crystal Palace and stayed at Selhurst Park for just over a year. He has since coached at AFC Wimbledon and West Brom and is now part of Scotland’s backroom staff under Steve Clarke.
Many young managers have been given a chance in Leagues One and Two over the past couple of seasons such as Joey Barton (37) at Fleetwood Town, Matt Taylor (37) at Exeter City and Daryl McMahon (35) at Macclesfield Town, could Southend do the same with Reid?
He is young, ambitious and has gained experience as a coach from various different clubs since retiring so could be ready for a number one job somewhere. However, the Shrimpers may want an experienced manager with their current position in the third tier.
