Former Southend United chairman John Main returned to Roots Hall for the first time on Saturday, following his controversial sacking from the Third Division club's board.

Main was removed from the Southend hotseat in August at an extraordinary shareholders meetings, but took his place in the West Bank at the weekend alongside Blues supporters watching the Shrimpers' 3-1 win over Macclesfield Town.

"It was great to come back and watch the team and I got a warm reception from the fans," said Main. "A lot of people came up and stopped me to say hello - it was all quite emotional."

Main didn't wish to speak about his sacking, preferring to speak about the game. "I was delighted to see the lads win, but it doesn't surprise me that the team is doing well in the League because that is what I had planned for this year.

"Most of the squad is the same from when I was here and the current manager David Webb must feel very lucky to have inherited such a good team.

"But this is David's team now and I must say that Ben Abbey, the young striker he has recently brought who scored two of the goals, looked very exciting."

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