FORMER Southend United manager Paul Sturrock admitted to being humbled by his own Wembley experience on Sunday.

The Scotsman, who was dismissed by Blues just two weeks before the JPT final against Crewe Alexandra, travelled to the game with the Shrimpers supporters before also sittings with them in the stands.

And he was left stunned by the reaction he received.

“In all my years in football it was like nothing I had ever experienced before and I would like to thank all the Southend fans for the way they were towards me,” said Sturrock.

“I went with them all on the supporters coach, went to the pub before the game and then walked up with them to the ground where I sat with them too and it was just fantastic.

“I had so many people coming up to me wanting to shake my hand, get my autograph and have pictures taken that it was all very humbling.

“They kept on buying me drinks as well which was certainly appreciated and everyone seemed very grateful for the job I had done, especially in the first season when I think they thought we would struggle to stay up.

“But Sunday was a superb experience and a day I will never forget.”

However, the Blues side that Sturrock built during his three seasons in charge were unable to add extra enjoyment to the day as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against a superior Crewe side.

Yet Sturrock was not keen to comment on the game.

“It was obviously disappointing that the boys lost but it’s not right for me to say what I thought of it or who I would’ve selected,” said the former Plymouth Argyle boss.

“I’d just like to say a massive thank you to all of the Blues fans.

“I hope they all enjoyed the day as much as I did and it was the perfect way to bring my time with Southend to an end.”