Tilson: "They Cannot Leave With Any Regrets"

Former fans favourite as a player - Steve Tilson hopes to lead his side to glory as their manager.

Tilson, who was appinted full time boss just over a week ago, has led the Shrimpers in a caretaker capacity since the sacking of Steve Wignall on November 3rd, and not only has the former Southend playing legend dragged his team clear of immediate danger but has amazingly seen United through to the first major Cup Final in the Club's 98-year history.

Indeed, Tilson's stint in charge, with at first the help of David Webb, began with a victory at Swansea City in the Second Round of the LDV Vans Trophy, but few then would have even contemplated what was on the horizon; "If you had said to me a few month's ago that we'd be in this position, I'd have said 'unbelievable'" said Tilson.

"We've got a young side and I really hope that, win or lose, they go out there and enjoy it and do themselves justice" continued Tilson.

"This week I've been saying to them that they might not get another chance to play in a game like this and they cannot come away from the match with any regreats." explained Tilson, who joined Canvey Island for five years after being released by ex-Southend manager Ronnie Whelan in the summer of 1997.

Tilson, who began his career at Basildon United, having supported Southend all his life, eventually fulfilled his dream by joining United from Witham Town in February 1989.

The ever-trying midfielder was voted as Southend's 'Player of the Millennium' in an Evening Echo poll before winning the FA Trophy as captain of Canvey Island in May 2001 at Villa Park.

Having returned to Roots Hall in a coaching capacity - Tilly had been involved with the Centre of Excellence ever since he left - he was quite rightly rewarded with a Testimonial last year.

However, once the LDV Final is out of the way, Tilson and his side still have some Third Division matters to attend to; "I don't think we're safe yet - we need a few more wins. But we'll hopefully keep getting results in the league and if we can give our fans a day to remember on Sunday thst would be really special" he said.

However, how does Tilson rate his side's chances against Blackpool?

"We've got good players and if we play as we have been in some of our recent games, we;ve most definately got a good chance". Tilson proclaimed.

Let's just hope the Tilson, his players, and the near 16,000 Southend supporters in the Millennium Stadium will be dancing with jot come three o'clock Sunday afternoon.

Mark Wallis
www.thelittlegazette.com