Dyer: transplant anniversary prompted emotional team talk before Gateshead win

Kieron Dyer said the anniversary of his liver transplant prompted an emotional pre-match team talk before Southend United's 6-1 National League victory at Gateshead at the weekend.

Dyer, 47, underwent the operation in 2023 after being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2019 and has previously played for Ipswich Town and Newcastle United, as well as West Ham, QPR and Middlesbrough. He won 33 caps for England and was appointed as Southend boss in June.

Describing the talk, Dyer told BBC Essex: "I said [to the players] that I don't want to put extra pressure on you, but I need the win - they executed that perfectly." He added: "I always speak to [his organ donor] at night before going to bed, so I said 'that one's for you'."

On his relationship to the donor, Dyer said: "For me to be alive, someone's had to have their life taken away," and: "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." He also said: "I'm always grateful because not many people get second chances at life. I was on my death bed. I probably only had a few weeks myself to live."

The club statement noted the medical condition's effects and background: "Primary sclerosing cholangitis is characterised by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts and caused Dyer's eyes and skin to turn yellow." Dyer described the transplant anniversary as a sensitive moment: "It [the anniversary] is always an emotional day. We do huddles in the changing room before games and I pick different members of staff to lead them... I thought Saturday's was a good one for me to do."

Reflecting on receiving an organ donation, Dyer said: "It [receiving an organ donation] was the most humbling thing and gives you a completely different perspective on life. You can't take any day for granted. "I wouldn't want anyone to go through that but it does broaden your horizons when you think about life and how you have to cherish every moment."

The 6-1 win at Gateshead moved Southend to second in the National League and left them three points off the top after nine games.