SOUTHEND United are transforming the tunnel at Roots Hall to boost the team’s chances of success in the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Burton Albion on Saturday.

Club chiefs will be putting messages from supporters on the walls the players will walk past on their way out on to the pitch.

And readers of the Echo are also being urged to send in their good luck notes to the team.

Blues’ marketing manager Ryan Murrant said: “The fans are a huge part of this football club and we wanted to give them the opportunity to motivate the players ahead of Saturday’s game against Burton Albion.

“We’ve had a great response so far with lots of support from supporters and it would be great to get some more from readers of the Echo as we’re hopeful the messages can play their part in helping the team to the win.”

The Shrimpers head into the second leg 1-0 down from the first meeting at the Pirelli Stadium but remain hopeful of turning things around.

Victory against the Brewers would see Blues make it through to a Wembley final against either Fleetwood Town or York City.

Fleetwood take a 1-0 lead into Friday’s second leg.

And Murrant hopes the winners of that tie will be facing the Shrimpers, whose fans have until 5pm today to tweet in their messages of support.

“We’re asking fans to send us their good luck messages for the players, and we will then get these put up in the tunnel for them to see before they head out to the pitch,” said Murrant.

“We’ll take a selection of the best messages, get them printed onto vinyl and placed in the tunnel area for the players to see before the game.”

To send in your message, tweet @SUFCRootsHall using the #SeaSeaSeasiders.