FORMER Southend United coach Gary Waddock feels Craig Fagan should be the Shrimpers’ next manager.

Blues are looking for a replacement for Sol Campbell who the club at the end of June.

And Waddock – who spent four months with the club last season – is certain the Shrimpers under 23 coach Fagan would be an excellent appointment.

“Craig would be a very good appointment,” said Waddock.

“I got to know him really well during my time at the club and I think he would be a really good choice.

“He knows what’s gone and he’s been involved at the club but not in a first team environment.

“He’s been able to step back and have a look at it so he’s seen what’s gone on.”

Waddock was assistant manager during his spell with the Shrimpers and also spent nine games as caretaker boss following Kevin Bond’s departure.

But he feels Fagan’s knowledge of the club’s younger players would also make him an excellent choice.

“He’s worked with the younger players and some of them have gone into the first team and done extremely well,” Waddock told the Essex Charity Cup podcast.

“I believe he’s one of the favourites and in the running too.”