SOUTHEND United legend Frankie Banks was overwhelmed after winning the Unsung Hero Award at the Football League Awards on Sunday.

Banks, who has been associated with the club for 55 years, beat off competition from Norman Rimmington of Barnsley and Fred Woolven of Brighton & Hove Albion to win the award.

Speaking after collecting his award on the stage at The Brewery in London where the event was held, Banks said: “It’s an overwhelming feeling having won this award.

“I never expected it and was just delighted to have been shortlisted in the final three, but to win it is something special and an incredible moment for me.

“I have to thank Dale Spiby of the Community Trust for putting me forward for this award.

“I love my job and having been spotted playing football in a park at 13, it’s just nice to be able to give something back to the local community.

“Working with the youngsters is great.

“But I just enjoy meeting people, and have a good time with the Senior Shrimpers once a month too.

“Southend United has been a part of my life for 55 years so to receive this award for the work I do for the club is humbling.

Frankie has been a player, reserve team manager, assistant manager, first-team manager and coach at Southend United and became the club’s first ever community officer.

He made nearly 100 appearances as a player for club, either side of a hugely successful spell with Hull City and today continues his work with the community department voluntarily.