Southend United boss Kieron Dyer says the anniversary of his life-saving liver transplant impressed an “emotional” pre-match group speak on the weekend.
The previous England midfielder, who performed for Ipswich City and Newcastle United, had the operation in 2023 after being recognized with main sclerosing cholangitis in 2019.
Dyer, 47, mentioned he addressed the Shrimpers’ gamers and workers earlier than their thumping 6-1 win at Gateshead which noticed them go second within the Nationwide League.
“I mentioned [to the players] that I do not need to put additional stress on you, however I would like the win – they executed that completely,” Dyer informed BBC Essex.
“I all the time communicate to [his organ donor] at night time earlier than going to mattress, so I mentioned ‘that one’s for you’.”
Major sclerosing cholangitis is characterised by irritation and scarring of the bile ducts and prompted Dyer’s eyes and pores and skin to show yellow.
“For me to be alive, somebody’s needed to have their life taken away,” Dyer added.
“I do know a few of his life. I do know his identify, I do know he had a spouse as a result of his sister wrote a extremely highly effective letter to me.
“I am all the time grateful as a result of not many individuals get second possibilities at life. I used to be on my loss of life mattress. I most likely solely had a couple of weeks myself to dwell.
“It [the anniversary] is all the time an emotional day. We do huddles within the altering room earlier than video games and I decide totally different members of workers to steer them… I assumed Saturday’s was a very good one for me to do.”
Dyer received 33 caps for England and likewise had spells with West Ham, QPR and Middlesbrough.
He was appointed as Southend boss in June, and has taken the Shrimpers to 2 factors off the highest of the Nationwide League after 9 video games.
“It [receiving an organ donation] was essentially the most humbling factor and offers you a very totally different perspective on life. You’ll be able to’t take any day without any consideration.
“I would not need anybody to undergo that however it does broaden your horizons when you concentrate on life and the way it’s a must to cherish each second.”
