From BBC Sport · · 1m
Kieron Dyer's liver transplant anniversary inspires team talk
Southend United's Kieron Dyer shares how his liver transplant anniversary boosted team morale before a 6-1 win.
In brief
Southend United's Kieron Dyer shares how his liver transplant anniversary boosted team morale before a 6-1 win. Dyer's liver transplant anniversary inspired an emotional pre-match team talk that emphasized gratitude and cherishing life. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Liver transplant anniversary
Kieron Dyer, Southend United's manager, spoke to players before a 6-1 win over Gateshead.
“I said [to the players] that I don't want to put extra pressure on you, but I need the win - they executed that perfectly”
Life-saving transplant
Dyer had a liver transplant in 2023 after being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2019.
Emotional team talk
Dyer addressed players before their 6-1 win, saying he needed them to win without extra pressure.
“I said [to the players] that I don't want to put extra pressure on you, but I need the win - they executed that perfectly”
Organ donor connection
Dyer speaks to his organ donor nightly, dedicating the win to them.
“I said that one's for you”
Health challenges
Primary sclerosing cholangitis caused Dyer's eyes and skin to turn yellow.
Gratitude and perspective
Dyer says the transplant gave him a new perspective on life and the need to cherish every moment.
“It [receiving an organ donation] was the most humbling thing and gives you a completely different perspective on life”
In short
Dyer's liver transplant anniversary inspired an emotional pre-match team talk that emphasized gratitude and cherishing life.
