SOUTHEND United will be roared on by a sell out Roots Hall crowd for the first time in five years when they take on Hull City in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend.

Blues fans have already snapped up more than 10,000 tickets for the tie against the Tigers.

And Shrimpers chief Phil Brown wants the supporters right behind his side as they bid to secure a shock success against their Premier League opponents.

“The fans get us over the line against York City earlier on in the season when we had a big crowd due to cheaper ticket prices and it would be great if they could do the same again on Saturday,” said Brown.

“In my very first day in the job I spoke about how I wanted to see Roots Hall full a game and it’s great that it’s going to be like that in the home end at the weekend.

“The support has been fantastic all season but with this being a cup game against a Premier League side I’m sure the atmosphere will be even better on Saturday.

“I can’t wait to sample it to be honest and hopefully it can spur the players on to put in another good performance.”

Southend have not filled the home end of Roots Hall since 11, 314 fans watched their FA Cup replay against Chelsea in January 2009.

Shrimpers skipper Adam Barrett headed Blues in front that evening but Steve Tilson’s side were eventually beaten 4-1 with Michael Ballack, Salomon Kalou, Nicolas Anelka and Frank Lampard all on target for the Londoners who went on to win the FA Cup that season.