SVETOSLAV Todorov jumped at the chance to join Southend United as first team coach.

The former Portsmouth striker had been working within the academy at Crystal Palace.

But the former Bulgarian international is thrilled to now be involved with the Shrimpers.

"I’m really happy and really looking forward to working with the staff and working for the club,” said Todorov.

"My relationship with the gaffer goes back to 2002 which is a long time ago but now it’s a different game as my playing career is finished.

"I’ve been a coach for six or seven years, managing a few championship clubs in Bulgaria, the Bulgaria under 19 national team and for the last eight months I was at Crystal Palace’s under 18s.

"But as soon as I got the call there was nothing more to discuss.

“This is a great opportunity in first-team football and this country is the best for football.”