News that former Southend United boss David Webb wants to return to Roots Hall has sparked hearty response from readers.

One Southend High School for Boy's pupil phoned to say that the whole school thought David Webb should go back to Southend United.

Barry Rayne, of Langham Drive, Rayleigh, said: "Over the past two years I have picked up my paper to be greeted with the doom and gloom of Alvin Martin and promises of great things to come. He manages to turn everything around a put a positive spin on it.

"I am bitterly disappointed by the way my team have slipped into football's basement. Imagine my sheer delight to read that David Webb wants to come back.

"A welcome smile crept across my face and on those of other people reading the news on the train. We were buzzing with anticipation. Maybe we could pit our footballing skills against the likes of Newcastle and Blackburn again.

"I wholeheartedly support any involvement David Webb has with my team. He has the ability to drive and motivate players. I eagerly await his return to lift us out of the footballing wilderness."

Another caller from Leigh, also wanted to see the return of David Webb. He said: "The man knows exactly how to go about his job. He has done it for Southend and Brentford.

"If he does take the job he will not solve all the problems over night but if he has the money to spend he will do it wisely.

"When he was manager before, the team were a pleasure to watch and support. John Main is saying we should get behind the team and be positive but this is just not the answer."

David Oliver, of Varden Drive, Leigh, said: "Alvin's days are numbered, but David Webb is not the answer.

"Fans should be very wary of Mr Webb. Brentford fans couldn't wait to be rid of him.

"What about Steve Wignall?"

Ben Rudd, of Beresford Road, Southend, said: "Sorry Alvin, I was one of the tiny minority who, having paid £25 for two tickets, vented my feelings by suggesting you might continue your stunning record of success elsewhere.

"I think there may have been more of my ilk but some people near me appeared to have fallen asleep or were so stunned by the way we were tearing apart a team that is 91st in the league and had won one game in six that they were speechless."

P Porter, of The Fairway, Leigh, called for Dave Webb to return and added: "Alvin Martin still has not got it right and we only have a few matches left to do something right.

"We are going to be relegated out of league football and into the Conference. Alvin Martin is not the man for the job."

Bob Inglis, of Marine Parade, Leigh, said: "I think the board ought to get rid of the manager now while there is just a remote chance that something can happen this season."

Mr Smith, from Stromness Road, Southend, reckons "the football at Roots Hall this season has been dire".

"We have never really threatened the good teams and I think a lot of people are very angry that Alvin Martin has not gone," he added.

Alvin Martin - still under fire from readers

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.