League OneSouthend United are in talks with Kevin Bond about appointing him as permanent manager, says chairman Ron Martin.

Former Tottenham and QPR assistant Bond kept the Shrimpers in League One after taking over from Chris Powell for the final six games of the season.

Martin hopes to confirm an appointment by the end of the week.

"Kevin's very caring, desperately wants the job and we're looking at the contract with him right now," Martin told BBC Essex.

"I am talking seriously to him; I think he did a good job. He seems a very straightforward, honest guy and has huge experience in the industry."