Kieron Dyer making waves at Southend after leaving ‘hooligan’ days and ‘deathbed’ behind | Southend

Kieron Dyer is recounting a tale from his time in Japan at the 2002 World Cup. “You have a lot of time on your hands,” he begins from behind his desk at Southend United’s training ground.

Dyer, a chess fan, was looking for an opponent in the England squad. “Sol Campbell was a deep thinker, and I asked if he played. He said yes, and I told him I’d pummel him. I’m not joking, we…