Off the PitchBBC SportUnverified source· 25 Sept 2026
Dyer: Transplant Anniversary Fueled Emotional Team Talk
Southend boss Kieron Dyer marked the anniversary of his life-saving liver transplant by delivering an emotional pre-match speech.
Who
Kieron Dyer
Role
Southend United boss
Event
Liver transplant anniversary
When
2023
Where
Pre-match team talk
What happened. Southend United boss Kieron Dyer said the anniversary of his life-saving liver transplant inspired an emotional pre-match team-talk before their 6-1 win at Gateshead. Dyer, who had the operation in 2023 after being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2019, addressed players and staff.
- Dyer told players he needed the win and dedicated it to his organ donor.
- The 6-1 victory lifted Southend to second in the National League.
- Dyer was appointed Southend boss in June and has 33 England caps.
“I always speak to him at night before going to bed, so I said 'that one's for you'.”
— Kieron Dyer
Dyer's Southend sit second in the National League as they push for promotion.
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