Southend United Boss Goes Viral After Hiding Michael Jackson Song Titles in Press Conference for Charity Challenge

This week, Southend United manager Kieron Dyer, whose team competes in the fifth tier of English football, went viral on social media because of a pre-match press conference. The 47-year-old former Premier League winger completed a challenge set for him by his players at the conference — fitting as many Michael Jackson song titles as possible into his answers.

At Thursday's pre-match press conference, Dyer revealed that the challenge was a difficult task given to him by the players. “The players challenged me to see how many Michael Jackson song titles I could get into the press conference,” Dyer said. “The money raised will go to charity, and I did manage to fit quite a few in. I can't believe you journalists didn't notice. I accepted the challenge and hope to raise some money for charity.”

Dyer did indeed succeed. Discussing the team's goals, he said: “At the club, we want to start something really special (Startin' Somethin').” Speaking about the upcoming match, he said: “There will be two teams trying to control possession and play good football, and I am looking forward to a real thriller (Thriller).” He also said: “It shows we are doing something special. Looking back, it is always good to look in the mirror (Man in the Mirror). Football is not black or white (Black or White), there are always positives and negatives.”

When asked about transfers, Dyer also cleverly included a song title: “We have targets in mind. I can't name names, but it could be a certain ordinary person, or it could be a Billie Jean (Billie Jean).”

Michael Jackson's connection with football

This was not the first time Michael Jackson had a connection with the football world. The King of Pop, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, was involved with football on several occasions. In April 1999, he was invited to visit Fulham's home ground Craven Cottage, with the invitation coming from then-club owner Mohamed Al-Fayed. In June 2002, he visited Exeter City after being invited by then-chairman and friend Uri Geller. In April 2011, a statue of Jackson was placed outside Craven Cottage at Al-Fayed's direction.

Southend United's strong start to the season

Southend United, managed by Dyer, have made a good start in the National League (the fifth tier of English football) this season, winning three of their first five matches and currently sitting seventh in the table, three points behind the leaders. This Saturday, they will host fourth-placed Yeovil Town at Roots Hall. The “thriller” Dyer mentioned at the press conference may have been a reference to this tough match.