Southend United boss Kieron Dyer has said the anniversary of his life-saving liver transplant inspired an “emotional” pre-match team talk before the Shrimpers’ 6-1 win at Gateshead. The victory lifted Southend to second in the National League.
Dyer, 47, addressed the players and staff before the match. He said he did not want to put extra pressure on them, but told them he needed the win, and felt they executed that perfectly. He also said he always speaks to his organ donor at night before going to bed, and told him: “that one’s for you”.
Dyer had the operation in 2023 after being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2019. The condition is characterised by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts and caused his eyes and skin to turn yellow. “For me to be alive, someone’s had to have their life taken away,” he said.
He spoke about what he knows of his donor: “I know some of his life. I know his name, I know he had a wife because his sister wrote a really powerful letter to me.” Dyer added that he is always grateful because not many people get second chances at life, saying he was on his death bed and probably only had a few weeks to live.
Dyer said the transplant anniversary is always an emotional day. He explained that Southend do huddles in the changing room before games and that he picks different members of staff to lead them, adding that he thought Saturday’s was a good one for him to do.
Before taking charge at Southend, Dyer was a former England midfielder who won 33 caps and also had spells with West Ham, QPR and Middlesbrough. He played for Ipswich Town and Newcastle United. He was appointed Southend boss in June and has taken the Shrimpers to two points off the top of the National League after nine games.
He described receiving an organ donation as “the most humbling thing” and said it gives a completely different perspective on life. “You can’t take any day for granted,” he said. He added that he would not want anyone to go through that, but that it broadens your horizons when you think about life and how you have to cherish every moment.