Paul Cook

Former England winger Kieron Dyer, 47, has made a strong start to his first managerial job at Southend United, with one defeat in nine leaving the Shrimpers second in the National League. In a wide-ranging Guardian interview, Dyer opens up on his surprise chess passion, his strict management culture, his complicated relationship with Sir Bobby Robson, the childhood abuse he detailed in his autobiography, and the life-saving liver transplant that left him 'on his deathbed'.

Kieron Dyer has taken Southend United to second in the National League with one defeat in nine, blending chess-like tactical thinking, uncompromising discipline and the perspective of a liver transplant that nearly ended his life. The former Newcastle and England midfielder opens up on his Bobby Robson bond, his traumatic childhood and his improbable rise from player to manager.