David Webb made promotion a priority on his return to Third Division Southend United as manager.

The 54-year-old begins his third stint in the Roots Hall hot seat today (Tuesday) and he immediately set his sights on making the step up to the Second Division.

"I always said I would come back one day, but I didn't think it would take eight-years," said Webb, who quit Conference League high-flyers Yeovil Town for Blues.

"They say never go back to the same place twice in football, but I've already done that with Southend and the second time I was here I was lucky enough to get us into the First Division. Let's hope I can be lucky a third time as well.

"Our immediate aim must be promotion to the Second Division and I'd be disappointed if we don't achieve that. I've been in this division twice before with Southend, so maybe it's the best place to start."

Former Chelsea star Webb aims to emulate the success he enjoyed at the club in the early nineties, when he guided Blues to successive promotions and a first season in the old Second Division.

However, the east Londoner, who replaces Alan Little as Shrimpers chief, revealed he has Premier ambitions for the Seasiders. "You've got to be ambitious and I want to take Southend United into the Premier League," added Webb, who will sign a two-year contract at Roots Hall.

"It was a very sad day for me when I left behind a First Division side here in 1992 which I had taken to the top of the league. But now I'm looking higher and I want to take Southend into the Premier Division.

"I'm not saying we could win the Premier or anything like that, but everything's possible and I believe Southend United could get there."

Webb said he would closely scrutinise all of the Shrimpers' playing and coaching staff before making decisions on what he needs at Roots Hall to make Blues successful again.

"Football clubs are like jigsaws which need to be put together carefully and I need to find out what pieces I have got here already," he added.

"I've got no preconceived ideas about the current Roots Hall personnel, but I need to learn about them all very quickly. If certain people here aren't right then they will have to go."

Webb is believed to have money to spend on new players, but he said he wasn't necessarily bothered about throwing the cash about.

"I'm not worried about money," he said. "I haven't come here for vast amounts of cash. I've left Yeovil second in the Conference with a bright young side and the lowest outlay of wages in their division.

"But I might have a few surprises up my sleeve. I want to get the right people in place and make things take off at Roots Hall."

Webb also said he was confident of forming a successful partnership with Blues owner Ron Martin, believing things would be better off the field than when he was last at the club.

"I've got a good vibe about returning here," said Webb. "Ron is a very professional person and the whole set up is more business like. I'm impressed by Ron's plans for Southend United and I'm confident we can go places together."

Finally, Webb had a few words for the Southend fans who hold him in such high esteem. "Southend United have always been special to me as have the people here," said Webb, who revealed two other League clubs were after his services.

"The fans here have always treated me well and given me their backing - let's hope we have some more good times together ahead!"

Martin added he was happy to have got his man. "I had a short-list of three candidates, but David was always my top choice," he explained. "I called David two weeks ago and I was convinced I had the right man within 24-hours - I'm very pleased."

Blues' reserves are in Avon Insurance Combination League action today against Brentford at Roots Hall, kick-off 2pm.

Former Blues boss Little, sacked five days ago, is rumoured to be a target for managerless Third Division outfit Halifax Town.

Many happy returns - David Webb arrives for his third spell as Blues' manager

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Fact file

1946 - David Webb is born in East Ham on April 9.

May 1970 - Defender Webb scores the winner for Chelsea in a 2-1 FA Cup final replay against Leeds.

June 1986 - Webb takes over at struggling Fourth Division Blues and transforms them into promotion contenders.

March 1987 - Webb quits after a bust-up with chairman Vic Jobson, leaving Paul Clark to guide Southend into Division Three.

December 1988 - Webb rejoins Southend who are again at the bottom of the Third Division, as general manager. He eventually replaces Clark permanently, but can't prevent relegation.

May 1990 - Two David Crown goals at Peterborough in the season finale send Southend straight back up.

May 1991 - 12 months later, Webb repeats the feat as forward Ian Benjamin's goal at Bury gives Blues a 1-0 victory and seals their first ever jump into the old Second Division.

New Years Day 1992 - Southend flourish in what would become Division One. They lead the table for a few hours on New Years Day after thrashing Newcastle 4-0 at Roots Hall.

May 1992 - Webb leaves Blues again after serving six months notice, blaming another row with Jobson. The Seasiders slump out of the promotion race and finish mid-table.

October 2000 - Webb returns to Roots Hall after an eight-year absence.

By Bernie Friend

Reporter's e-mail: bernie.friend@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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