Gillingham’s former player, youth coach and assistant manager Mark Patterson is the new academy boss at Southend United.

Patterson’s last role at the Gills was as caretaker manager for the final two games of the 2018/19 season following Steve Lovell’s departure.

He had previously helped out managing the first team as part of a four-man collective after Peter Taylor was sacked at the start of 2015.

A popular figure during his many years at the Gills, Patterson, 53, will now be hoping to produce homegrown players for the National League side.

Patterson, who played over 100 games for the Gills before being forced to retire though injury, will combine his role with the work he does for the Northern Ireland under-21s, who are managed by former Gills no.2 John Schofield.

“For years this club has produced players and we want to continue that,” Patterson said on the Southend website.

“Every category three academy club and above needs to be producing home grown players. The record from here is very good and it’s a challenge to continue it but we’ll do our best.

“The off-field plans are exciting and players coming through the system will have the opportunity to play in a brand new stadium in the next few years.”