NEWCASTLE United’s visit to Roots Hall tonight will bring back happy memories for many Southend United supporters.

Back on New Year’s Day in 1992 the Shrimpers trounced the Magpies 4-0 to move to the top of what is now the Championship.

And it is a game Steve Tilson – who lined up on the left wing for Blues that afternoon – still recalls with great fondness.

“As a player and manager I’ve had more than 600 games with Southend but the Newcastle one is right up there with my very favourites,” said Tilson.

“Obviously the games which win you promotion are always going to be right at the top of the list but so is the Newcastle one for me.

“It’s one that supporters bring up quite a lot and for us to go top of the table like we did was different class, even if it was only for a few hours.

“I’ve seen T-shirts fans wear with the league table from Ceefax printed on and it was just a fantastic day for everyone at the club.

“We had a fantastic team-spirit and I think that was our first season at that level so it was a really special time.”

But Tilson still remains sad that the Shrimpers were unable to maintain their push for promotion and a place in the Premier League as manager David Webb soon announced he would be stepping down.

“It wasn’t that long after the Newcastle game that things started to go a bit crooked and unstable,” said Tilson.

“I think David (Webb) had a run in with the chairman and decided he would leave the club at the end of that season.

“Up until that point we had been flying and had real momentum behind us so it was a real shame it couldn’t continue.

“But we still enjoyed some fantastic times and achievements and that includes the Newcastle game.”