THOUSANDS of fans lined Southend seafront to give the Blues a heroic welcome home after the team triumphed at Wembley in the League Two play-off final.

The Shrimpers, fresh from their dramatic, last-gasp heroics at Wembley, laid on a special open top bus parade yesterday in front of a packed seafront.

Starting at Roots Hall, the red double decker weaved through Victoria Avenue and London Road before reaching the seafront, moving along Western Esplanade and Marine Parade.

Fans took over Pier Hill, adorning railings and buildings with Blues flags and waved and cheered as the bus passed by.

John Hanks, 65, of Antrim Road, Shoebury, who has followed the club since 1958, joined the celebrations.

He said: “Saturday was the greatest moment of my footballing life. I’ve seen everything from Cardiff to Bury in 1991.

“It’s fantastic seeing the atmosphere down here today, it’s really brought the town together.

“I think it could be the rebirth of the club. There is a real bond between the players and the fans, there’s a real affinity, and this could be the start of good things.”

The parade followed Saturday’s extraordinary match at Wembley when Southend equalised in the last minute of extra time in the play-off final against Wycombe Wand-erers, before going on to win on penalties, securing promotion to League One.

The bus was packed with players and officials from Southend United, who were happy to show off the play-off final trophy.

Malcolm Roberts, 60, of Southchurch Road, Southchurch, has been a steward at Roots Hall for a decade, and got a shout from club legend Adam Barrett during the procession.

He said: “The atmosphere down here was absolutely electric.

“It’s been an amazing end to a tremendous season, the team has really deserved it and they’ve got a great manager in Phil Brown.

“They should now push for the new stadium and go on to bigger and better things.”

The bus was flanked by a heavy police presence as traffic slowed to a standstill while the bus snaked through the town.

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Paul Thompson, 44, from Benfleet, added: “We watched the bus go by on the roof terrace of the Esplanade pub – the whole vibe of the day has been brilliant.

“It’s been a great family day, and continues the good feeling from Wembley. My son went on Saturday and had a great time.”