Former Southend United and England striker Stan Collymore has called for a change in the discussion around the English flag, urging a civil nationwide conversation with voices from all sides.
Speaking on Ben Kentish’s show on LBC, Collymore said: “We must rally around the flag rather than let it divide us. We need to have a conversation nationally where we all come together and discuss what we want and how we get there.”
The discussion was prompted by recent comments from football pundit Gary Neville, and Collymore said: “I have a lot of respect for Gary Neville,” recalling that they made their England debuts together. He also spoke of his personal pride in the national symbol when attending football games, saying, “I’m very proud of the flag. I always take it to watch England.”
Collymore suggested practical ways to bridge divides. “Let’s get Tommy Robinson, Zack Polanski round a table and find solutions,” he said, emphasising the importance of dialogue. He also stressed the need for multiple perspectives: “We need a plurality of opinions when it comes to the flag.”
Reflecting on the current political climate and his place in it as a mixed-race man, he admitted: “I’m an ultra-proud Englishman, but I feel uncomfortable in my own skin at the moment. I’m quite scared.” He also reflected on the challenges of growing up in Staffordshire as a mixed-heritage child.
Collymore, who went on to play for several top English clubs and earned caps for the national team, has often spoken fondly of his time at Southend, where he scored 15 goals in 30 league appearances during the 1992–1993 season, helping the club avoid relegation and setting the stage for his move to Nottingham Forest.
He remains involved with the club today, having been Senior Football Strategist since 2021.