Southend United have sacked Dundee United legend Paul Sturrock as their manager and promised to unveil his replacement today.
But, in a bizarre twist, the Scot will return to take charge of their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final clash at Wembley in two weeks.
Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin issued a long statement on the club’s website in which he stated that Sturrock, whose three-year contract was due to expire in the summer, would be axed with immediate effect, yet as a “privilege” he would come back to lead the side against Crewe on April 7.
Southend lie only two places outside the npower League Two play-offs, although they have taken just five points from the last available 18.
Martin claimed promotion was imperative, also suggesting sentiment had led him to ask Sturrock to take charge at Wembley.
The statement read: “The club will not be renewing Paul’s contract at the end of this season and will appoint a new manager tomorrow to ensure the club’s interests are protected and advanced both now and from the first day of next season.”
After being relegated in 2010, Sturrock was hired with the task of leading Southend back into League One and went close to fulfilling that goal last year when they were beaten in the play-offs by Crewe.
Their chances of promotion this year are evaporating with just seven games remaining, and Martin expressed his disappointment at recent results.
The chairman said: “The form, just as it did last season, has dropped off when it should have been pushing for automatic promotion.”
The curious element to Sturrock’s dismissal remains the decision for him to lead the club at Wembley in just 14 days particularly with the new manager’s appointment imminent.
Explaining his decision, Martin added: “They say ‘there is no sentiment in football’ I do not agree. We are all human and have to understand the emotions influenced by our decisions.
“The decisions here are driven by the wider interests of Southend United, its success and growth, whilst remaining conscious of what is fair and just.
“For all these reasons I have suggested to Paul he leads the team out and manages them at Wembley. He has earned that privilege and agreed.”
Sturrock spent 19 years at Tannadice as player and coach before taking over as St Johnstone boss in 1994.
After four seasons in Perth he made an emotional return to Tannadice as manager in 1998 but only remained in charge for two seasons.
He hasn’t managed in Scotland since but has had spells in charge down south at Plymouth Argyle, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town.