Southend United’s assistant manager has been charged with assaulting a police officer during a night of celebrations after the Blues’ Wembley win.

David Penney, 50, who has beenmanager Phil Brown’s right hand man since 2013, was charged following the incident outside Rendezvous casino, at the Kursaal, in Southend, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The incident came just hours after the Blues secured promotion by winning the League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

Mr Penney, who is from West Yorkshire, is now set to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on June 8.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A man has been charged with two counts of assault and one count of criminal damage following an incident shortly before 3am on Sunday, May 24.

“David Penney, aged 50, of Lower Oxford Street, Castleford, West Yorkshire, was charged with assault, assaulting a police officer and criminal damage.

“He is due to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court on June 8.

“A 24-year-old woman from Yorkshire was cautioned for assault.”

Just hours after being arrested, Mr Penney appeared alongside players and officials from the club on board an open-top bus as part of a victory parade, which saw thousands of fans line the streets.

Mr Penney started his managerial career as boss of Doncaster Rovers, taking them out of non-league football and up through League Two at the first attempt.

In 2005-06, he masterminded victories in the league cup over Premier League sides Manchester City and Aston Villa, and took Arsenal to penalties.

His last job was at the then- League One outfit Bristol Rovers, but he was sacked two months into the job.

He then took up a role as Phil Brown’s number two at Southend.

His contract is due to expire before the start of next season