Blues fans get the chance to say goodbye

Southend supporters are expected to travel to Lincoln in their droves to say goodbye to arguably the greatest managerial combination in the club’s history.
Steve Tilson and Paul Brush are now in charge of the Imps, but spent seven glorious years at Roots Hall.
It will be an emotional day for the club’s fans. Many of the 1,000-strong visiting support expected at Lincoln experienced some of the greatest moments in their lives with those two in the dugout.
Whether it was clinching the play-off final win against Lincoln at the Millennium Stadium, pipping Col Ewe to the League One title the following year, beating a strong Manchester United side including Rooney and Ronaldo in the League Cup, holding Chelsea at Stamford Bridge with a last minute equaliser, knocking out Col Ewe to get to the LDV Vans final for the first time, those two trophy finals at Cardiff and not forgetting the play-off campaign in 2007/08, they were all masterminded by those men.
Of course, there were some lows – the relegation from the Championship, and the duo were also made scapegoats for last year’s relegation even though it was clear to all that the club’s financial situation made the task of survival impossible.
When Tilson was sacked by Ron Martin in the summer, the mood was angry. Fans held protests outside the ground, and feelings against the chairman were at an all time low. Tilson has said this week that he is still owed money by Southend, a claim that will not surprise a single person heading to the away end at Sincil Bank tomorrow. However, in fairness the club was swift to refute the claim.
In a press conference, Tilson expressed his gratitute to Ron Martin for giving him his chance, but said he does not want to see him tomorrow due to the money situation.
More than 600 tickets have been sold in advance for away supporters, with at least twice that number expected to pay on the gate. Tilson and Brush are both sure to get a fantastic reception from the visiting fans.
However, it is vital to avoid conflicts in the away end that fans express their gratitude in the proper way. This means thanking Tilly and Brush before, and if necessary after, but getting behind Paul Sturrock and the current Southend side for the 90 minutes.
Hopefully, due to Southend’s decent start to 2011 and the fact that Sturrock has somehow managed to mould a team of promotion contenders from literally nothing will mean that this is not an issue.
Tickets for tomorrow’s game are priced at £18 for adults.

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