There's no doubting that Dan Harding continues to be oustanding at left back and Lee Sawyer has been greatly missed since returning to Chelsea, but manager Tilson admits it's all out of his hands if we are to see both these players well into the new year.
Speaking to the Southend Evening Echo Tilly explained: "I would like Dan to stay here but at the end of the day it's going to be Ipswich's decision. He's done well for us and I've spoken to him already about his future. If nothing happens then he would love to stay but if Ipswich decide to sell him to get a bit of money then there is nothing we can do about it."
Harding has been on loan from the Championship club since the start of the season and has has made 17 appearances so far for the Blues but his current deal at Roots Hall expires in just four weeks time.
While not seeming to have a long-term future at Ipswich but, with his contract there expiring at the end of the season, Jim Magliton's side could decide to grab some cash.
Tilson is also waiting to for news on Sawyer who was magnificent over his three month loan spell with Southend. The 19-year-old scored three goals in 13 games while at Roots Hall before returning to Stamford Bridge in mid-November. The midfielder is unlikely to figure in the Premier League and Tilly wants to see him back with the Blues Blues.
He continued: "Lee did ever so well for us when he was here. We are trying to bring him back but again it's out of our hands. Much will depend on what Chelsea do and who else becomes interested if they decide to sell him."
And those are the magic words, 'who else becomes interested'. Dan and Lee have rightly created much interest with their displays for the club and Southend will have to move fast to make sure we see don't lose one or both of them to clubs even higher up the league ladder.
Any play-off hopes may depend on it.