Mark Tinkler has revealed how much he is enjoying his new sweeper's role at the heart of Southend United's defence.

The 25-year-old, who was originally brought to the Third Division club as a central midfielder, has been handed a much deeper position in the Shrimpers' first-team this season - but he is relishing every minute of it.

"It's been a nice switch and I'm really enjoying playing in the sweeper's role," said the former Leeds United man.

"The gaffer Alan Little slotted me into this position pre-season and it worked well as we stuck to a specific system of play.

"But it's not a new move for me as I have played as a sweeper before at Leeds and with the boss at our former club York City."

Tinkler also admitted that he prefers his new place in the team much more than his usual midfield slot in the Southend line-up.

"Playing as sweeper I get to face the game and it helps me to see a lot more and find my passes," he added.

"It's very hard playing as a central midfielder in the Third Division because as soon as you pick up the ball you are hustled and bustled out of things.

"But playing behind the main midfielders gives me a lot more time to do things, which I hope can be beneficial to the team."

Tinkler joined Blues from York for £40,000 last season and was a revelation when he first moved south.

But a combination of illness and personal problems affected his form after Christmas and Tinkler was a pale shadow of his true self for the rest of the campaign.

However, the cultured performer has bounced back during pre-season and looks a revitalised force playing in his new position.

"When I first came to Southend I thought I did pretty well, but I lost my way in the New Year," added Tinkler.

"But all my problems are behind me now and pre-season has gone really well. I'm sure I can start producing my best form again this season."

Tinkler also said he felt Blues were well prepared to join the promotion hunt this campaign.

"We let ourselves down badly last year and we need to do a lot better this time round," he explained.

"I feel the boss has added quality to the squad with the new faces he has brought in over the summer and if we can stick together as a unit I'm confident we can get out of this division."

Blues defender Chris Perkins has joined Kettering Town on a free transfer.

The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract at Rockingham Road and will play in the Poppies' Conference League opener at Yeovil Town on Saturday.

Perkins had two loans spells at Kettering last term and was a member of their beaten FA Trophy final team at Wembley but will now get the chance to play first team soccer again.

Relishing sweeper role - Mark Tinkler

By Bernie Friend

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

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