Former Southend United star Steve Tilson has returned to Roots Hall to play a vital role in producing the Third Division club's future stars.

The 32-year-old fans favourite has been made director of Blues' new centre of excellence - made possible by the Shrimpers' recent £276,000 cash injection from the English Sports Council.

Tilson left Roots Hall two-years ago after being controversially released on a free transfer by ex-Southend boss Ronnie Whelan, but the left-sided midfielder is relishing his return to the club.

"This is a great opportunity for me and it's great to be back at Southend - I just can't wait to get started," said Tilson, who made close to 300 appearances for the Seasiders.

"Everybody knows I never wanted to leave Southend, but now I aim to make up for lost time by getting stuck into this new challenge."

Under the guidance of Peter Trevivian, Blues' director of youth development, Southend are revolutionising their production line of youngsters.

The Seasiders are investing heavily in their youth programme and Tilson's appointment as the club's first director - responsible solely for the centre of excellence - underlines their ambitions.

"Southend's youth policy has suffered in recent years, but thanks to the Sports Council grant this part of the club is being put right," added Tilson, who is also skipper of Ryman Premier Division new boys Canvey.

"The chairman, John Main, and Peter Trevivian know that a strong youth set up is crucial to Southend's future and I'm looking forward to playing my part in strengthening this area.

"There's so many talented youngsters right on our door step and it's down to us to find them and bring them through to Southend's first team."

Tilson will be responsible for overseeing and developing the raw skills of all the centre of excellence's teams, aged from under-9 to 16, a task he has great enthusiasm for.

"I love working with kids and coaching and I'm hoping that I will be able to help them become better players," he said. "When I joined Southend I came through the backdoor via non-league football and I want to try and help as many of these lads to make the grade as well, but by the more conventional route of an apprenticeship."

However, Tilson stressed that his new Roots Hall role would not interfere with his duties on the playing field for Canvey - who he notched an astonishing 34 goals for last term.

"Obviously I'm still 100 per cent committed to Canvey and I'm looking forward to having another good season at Park Lane," he said.

l Southend manager Alan Little is still trying to move players in and out of Roots Hall and confirmed that he hoped to have some positive transfer news next week.

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