Tilson marks five years in charge

Tilson has led Southend to two promotions in five years

Southend United manager Steve Tilson has pointed to back-to-back promotions as the highlight of his time in charge.

The former Blues midfielder is celebrating five years since taking over at Roots Hall.

During his time he has led Southend to two promotions, a play-off semi-final, two Football League Trophy finals and an FA Cup win over Manchester United.

Tilson told BBC Essex: "The five years have flown by but getting successive promotions was a fantastic feeling."

When he took over, Southend were struggling in League Two with a drop into non-league football looking a distinct possibility.

The Blues boss added: "From where we were it's been a big turnaround and that's just down to a lot of hard work from everyone at the club."

But despite his relative success, Tilson said he had not planned to become a manager.

"I had only been youth coach for a short time when the job came up so I hadn't planned to become manager and it really just landed in my lap."

Not many managers stay with clubs for so long and both Millwall and Norwich have been linked with Steve Tilson in recent years but he is enjoying his time at Roots Hall.

"It's a stressful job with long hours and plenty to do but when you're successful it's enjoyable."