MICHAEL Kightly wants Southend United’s next manager to be someone who ‘cares about the club.’

The Shrimpers are on the look-out for a new boss following the departure of Sol Campbell at the end of June.

And Kightly - who started and finished his career with Blues - is keen to see the right appointment being made at Roots Hall.

“I want it to be someone who cares about the club,” said Kightly.

“Adam Barrett springs to my mind but it needs to be someone who will go in and demand the right things to get the club pushing in the right direction.

“It needs that positive vibe where it gets the players going and the fans as well.

“Dean Austin cares about the club and he would be really good but I can’t see him getting the opportunity.”

Blues will be back in League Two next season and Kightly fears it could be another tough campaign off the back of last season’s relegation.

“I just hope Ron doesn’t make the wrong decision again,” said Kightly.

“To be honest, through no fault of his own, he’s made a couple of bad decisions.

“He’s tried to make the right decision but this is a crucial one now because it’s been a tough few years.

“Next year could be tough as well so you need a manager who doesn’t take losing lightly and wants to do things properly.