Strong union backing for all 92 Premier Division and Nationwide League football managers was welcomed by Southend United boss Alan Little.

The League Managers' Association has joined forces with MSF, the union for skilled and professional people, to provide representation for English soccer coaches working in one of the world's most precarious jobs.

"A union link-up with the LMA is great news and can only benefit football managers by offering us more protection," said Little.

"In today's high-pressured soccer environment it is nice to know that if you have any problems in the job there is someone around who is prepared to fight your corner.

"I'm sure this new partnership will give every manager added security and peace of mind."

MSF's general secretary and lifelong Arsenal fan, Roger Lyons, believes the newly combined effort will prove very helpful to football coaches.

Roger explained: "Everyone experiences trouble at work and we will be advising all 92 Premier and Nationwide League managers on contractual and disciplinary matters - but we'll refrain from advising them on tactics," he joked.

In April MSF successfully represented Liverpool boss, Gerard Houllier at an FA disciplinary hearing after the Frenchman was alleged to have called referee Mike Reed a "cheat".

MSF proved the allegation to be wrong and Gerard described the union's backing as "very, very helpful".

John Barnwell, the ex-Arsenal star and LMA general secretary, said: "Between 1995 and 1998 Nationwide League clubs dismissed 158 managers.

"No other profession could tolerate these numbers. Many top managers can afford expensive legal representation, but many of the lower division managers cannot."

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