Kieron Dyer dedicates Southend’s 6-1 win to organ donor after liver transplant anniversary

Kieron Dyer says the anniversary of his life-saving liver transplant inspired an emotional team talk before Southend United’s emphatic 6-1 victory at Gateshead.

The result lifted the Shrimpers to second in the National League, leaving them two points from the top after nine matches. Dyer, who was appointed Southend boss in June, told BBC Essex that he spoke candidly to players and staff before kick-off.

“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,” Dyer said.

Dyer underwent a liver transplant in 2023 after being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2019. The condition causes inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts and had caused his eyes and skin to turn yellow.

The former England midfielder said the anniversary remains an intensely emotional moment. He regularly speaks to his organ donor before going to bed and dedicated the victory to him.

“I always speak to [my organ donor] at night before going to bed, so I said ‘that one's for you’,” Dyer said.

Dyer revealed that he knows some details about the donor, including his name and that he had a wife, after receiving a powerful letter from the donor’s sister. He said the transplant had given him a renewed perspective on life after doctors warned he may have had only weeks to live.

“For me to be alive, someone's had to have their life taken away,” he 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.”

Southend’s players and staff traditionally form a pre-match huddle, with different members of staff taking the lead. On the transplant anniversary, Dyer chose to lead it himself before watching his team produce their biggest statement of the season so far.

“Receiving an organ donation was the most humbling thing and gives you a completely different perspective on life,” Dyer said. “You can't take any day for granted.”

Dyer won 33 England caps during a playing career that also included spells with Ipswich Town, Newcastle United, West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and Middlesbrough.