JOHN Gowens is back at Southend United as the head of the club’s medical department.

Gowens previously spent nine and years as physiotherapist with the Shrimpers before leaving in 2002. 

And, following spells at both Hornchurch and Dagenham & Redbridge, Gowens has returned to Roots Hall.

Gowens said: "It was something that I didn’t see coming. Over a year ago I stepped away from the medical side of things with a view to going into a coaching environment.

"I was approached by Southend towards the end of pre-season about coming here. Tom (Lawrence) and Kev (Maher) told me what their plans were for the future and it’s something that really excited me.

"I felt it was something I can really get my teeth into."

And Gowens, who had been assistant manager at Heybridge Swifts before coming back to Blues, will immediately have a number of players to treat.

"It’s a busy treatment room at the moment but you’ll have that at times throughout the season," said Gowens. 

“Most teams have got lots of injuries and it’s about getting them back as quickly and as safely as possible so the head coach and his staff have selection problems."

Head coach Kevin Maher was a player with Blues during Gowens’ first spell and the pair were also together at Dagenham & Redbridge.

And Maher is pleased to have added Gowens to his backroom team.

"I'm delighted to bring John's experience and knowledge to the club to get hold of that department and lead it,” said Maher.

"He will add a lot of discipline to that area of the club.

“It’s a massively important role and one we’ve needed filling.

"I think he’s the right person for it."