Southend have confirmed Henrik Larsson will NOT be taking over as manager of the club.
The Celtic hero was on the verge of taking the position at the League One side, along with former team-mates Johan Mjallby and Tommy Johnson as his assistant and head of recruitment.
But in a dramatic twist, the former Barcelona and Manchester United striker will not be taking charge after Johnson opted to take another job.
A statement read: "Over the past week the club has been in detailed discussions with Henrik Larsson, Johan Mjallby and Tommy Johnson to be appointed manager, assistant manager and head of recruitment, respectively.
"Terms were agreed with all parties and arrangements were confirmed for Henrik, Johan and their agent to fly over this evening with a view to attending at Roots Hall, along with Tommy Johnson, to sign the contracts tomorrow.
"Within the last hour Tommy Johnson advised Henrik, and subsequently me, that he had decided not to join Henrik & Johan having today accepted an alternative offer.
"Henrik, Johan and Tommy for both my part, and Henrik’s too, came as a team.
"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."
